LOCAL officials in Marilog District had long declared Purok 26, Sitio Mundo Hill, a ‘No-Build Zone’ and repeatedly warned residents, including the family of a five-month-old baby who died in a landslide on Thursday morning, May 8, 2025, to vacate due to increasing risks.
Victor Constantino, Purok Leader of Purok 26, confirmed that the family had been advised multiple times to relocate after days of continuous rainfall and visible signs of soil erosion near their cliffside home.
According to the initial investigation, the landslide occurred early in the morning, collapsing a portion of the hillside and burying the family’s home. The baby, who was lying in a hammock inside, died instantly. His grandmother, who was caring for him while the parents were out buying groceries, was injured and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Kibalang, Marilog.
The baby’s father, Glen Daguines, told DXDC RMN Davao that the ground gave way without warning, leaving them no time to react.
Barangay Captain Jeannette Suam of Marilog Proper also confirmed that relentless rains in recent days had softened the soil, triggering the slope’s collapse. She emphasized that residents had been warned weeks prior not to build or remain in the area due to the high risk of landslides.
The infant’s body was taken to a funeral home in Calinan. In response to the tragedy, local authorities have cordoned off the area, formally declared it a permanent ‘No-Build Zone,’ and begun evacuating nearby homes to prevent further loss of life.
Officials continue to urge residents living in similarly at-risk hillside areas to evacuate immediately, as heavy rains persist throughout the region. DEF