32 still missing in Itogon

BAGUIO. Small-scale miners helping in the rescue operations at level 070 in Ucab, Itogon, Benguet get a fix of their betel nut chew while taking a break. (Photo by Jean Nicole Cortes)
BAGUIO. Small-scale miners helping in the rescue operations at level 070 in Ucab, Itogon, Benguet get a fix of their betel nut chew while taking a break. (Photo by Jean Nicole Cortes)

AS THE search for the other casualties continue on its 9th day, 32 are still missing at level 070 at Ucab in Itogon, Benguet.

At least 47 bodies were already recovered with 14 still being unidentified by Scene of the Crime Operatives and the National Bureau of Investigation. The process of identifying bodies undergo DNA testing, dental and fingerprinting.

Itogon Mayor Victor Palangdan and some of the elders in the community offered a “Pam-makan” ritual on September 23 by butchering two pigs offered to the gods asking them to bless and feed the casualties and the people of the community affected by Typhoon Ompong (Mankhut), aside from the prayer of retrieving other casualties and such incident would not happen again.

Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan has offered the evacuees coming from Ucab the city’s evacuation center while the Diocese of Baguio have answered for the payment of rental fees of those in Baguio City.

Janet Armas, Department of Social Welfare and Development Cordillera regional director, have coordinated with the Diocese to assist in the transfer of the evacuees to apartments and to ensure that no collection of advance payments will be done.

Meanwhile, classes resumed at the Alejo Pacalso Elementary and National High School after the evacuees have been transferred to neighboring houses and churches in the municipality.

At least 100 died in the Cordillera region after the onslaught of Typhoon Ompong.

The region is also preparing for Typhoon Paeng.

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