SEARCH CONTINUES FORSIX MISSING AFTER DEADLYGUISAD SURONG LANDSLIDE

BAGUIO CITY — Rescue teams continued search and retrieval operations Monday for six people who remain missing after a landslide buried three houses in Guisad Surong on Sunday night, killing four people and leaving three others injured.

The landslide struck the Riverside area of Guisad Surong at around 7 p.m. on August 9, following days of heavy rainfall in Baguio City.

Authorities said 13 people were caught in the landslide. As of Monday afternoon, four had been confirmed dead, three had been rescued and six remained unaccounted for.

The fatalities included three children, according to authorities. The three survivors—a 27-year-old man, a 27-year-old woman and a 77-year-old pastor—were rescued and brought to a hospital for medical observation.

Rescuers deployed K9 units Monday to help locate those still trapped beneath the debris. Search teams have been working on a rotation basis as intermittent rain continued at the site.

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong was at the area Monday afternoon, overseeing the search and retrieval operation and coordinating with responding agencies.

Authorities are also considering the use of heavy equipment to help remove the debris, although responders continue to assess ground conditions to ensure the safety of rescue personnel and those who may still be trapped.

City provides assistance to affected families

While the search operation continues, the Baguio City government has begun providing emergency assistance to families displaced by the landslide.

The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) said 20 affected families have received immediate assistance, including family kits, food packs, blankets, hygiene kits and used clothing.

CSWDO Officer Liza Bulayungan said psychological first aid was also provided to help address the immediate emotional needs of affected residents.

CSWDO personnel reported to the area Sunday night and activated evacuation centers at the Guisad Barangay Hall and Baguio International Academy, where displaced families are being sheltered.

A community kitchen has also been established to provide meals to evacuees staying at the centers.

The city government said financial assistance will also be extended to affected families as part of its continuing response and recovery efforts.

Bulayungan said psychosocial processing would be conducted once the families of the victims are ready.

“For now, priority is being given to ensuring their safety and providing immediate emergency supplies and basic needs,” she said.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation in Guisad Surong and other areas vulnerable to landslides as rains persist in the city.

The search and retrieval operation remains ongoing.