AFTER two weeks of search and retrieval operations, rescuers halt operations at Level 070, Barangay Ucab in Itogon, Benguet.
Mayor Victorio Palangdan said there are no more rescuers on site.
On Sunday, September 30, incident commander General Leopoldo Imbang of the Armed Forces of the Philippines terminated the retrieval operations at Level 030.
“I believe it is proper and timely declaration because only three are missing but there are part of bodies recovered, maybe these are the three remaining persons until such time that the National Bureau of Investigation will finish forensic operations,” said Imbang.
As of October 1, the number of deaths in Itogon reached 91, with 67 coming from Ucab, 16 in Loacan, four in Poblacion, two in Ampuca, and one each in Dalupirip and Virac.
A temporary burial site was placed in Sitio Keystone where the 11 unidentified bodies remain.
“They did not pull out, they are on call. Anytime any request of retrieval operation, they can be called upon to help, the whole incident command,” said Imbang.
Despite no survivors, Palangdan acknowledged the efforts of the rescuers, expressing the gratitude of all the stakeholders of the Itogon for their heroic acts, as well as the donations that were brought to the municipality.
A ritual for the rescuers called the "Daw-es" or cleansing is set Tuesday, October 2.
Two pigs provided by the Department of the Interior and Local Government will be butchered, said Palangdan.
Rescuers are comprised of the 503rd Brigade, Police Regional Office, Philippine Air Force, Bureau of Fire Protection, Benguet Provincial Police, local government unit and Civilian volunteers composed of the Philex Mining Group, Benguet Corp, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Health, and individual volunteers.