ASSISTANCE FOR “TRASH SLIDE” VICTIMS AT BGY. NEW CABALAN

The city government of Olongapo continues to provide assistance to victims of typhoon Pedring and closely monitor the condition and needs of families in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas in the city, including the victims of the trash slide at the dumpsite in Bgy. New Cabalan.

Olongapo City Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. and former Zambales Vice Governor First Lady Anne Gordon visited the affected families in New Cabalan together with representatives of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), City Health Office (CHO), City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), Environment and Sanitation Management Office (ESMO).

“Inilagay natin under a state of calamity ang Olongapo para mas mapabilis ang pagbibigay ng kinakailangang tulong at mailapit din natin sa Pangulong Aquino upang magkaroon tayo ng sapat na assistance para agad na makabangon ang mga nabiktima ng mga naganap na kalamidad sa ating lungsod,” Mayor Gordon explained as food bags were distributed and medical services were provided.

The affected families received medicines and food bags containing rice and canned goods. The families of the three landslide victims were given financial assistance.

“Nagpapatuloy ang aming pag-abot sa inyo ng mga kaukulang tulong upang makausad tayo mula sa mga nagdaang pagsubok sa ating lungsod,” FL Anne stated.

“Umaasa akong hindi na mauulit ang trahedyang ito sa sandaling maitayo na ang ating panukalang sanitary landfill sa lugar na ito,” Mayor Gordon said, adding that the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has already approved the loan that would be used to fund the construction of the landfill, a priority project of the city government.

Comedienne's brother missing in Olongapo trashslide

Two bodies were recovered in Olongapo City when tons of garbage buried 5 homes following rains brought by Typhoon “Pedring” on Tuesday.

The bodies were recovered Wednesday afternoon, as authorities searched the almost 30-meter-high pile of garbage in Barangay New Cabalan in Olongapo City.

The victims were identified as 26-year-old Lanivie Ganseco and her 1-year-old daughter Shanaia.

Authorities are still looking for 35-year-old Edgardo Doesnt, who is believed to be buried under the pile of garbage.

“Kailangan namin makita. Mahirap isipin na mawawala lang ng ganoon lang,” said Doesnt's mother Evelyn.

Doesnt is a brother of actress Wilma Doesnt.

The trashslide occurred around 9 p.m. on Tuesday, as rains loosened a large mound of garbage at the dumpsite.

“Noong gabi, narinig nalang namin na malakas na ugong. Akala namin may buhawi,” said Rowena delos Santos, one of the residents.

Search operations are still being conducted by the 24th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, Olongapo police and a rescue team from Barangay New Cabalan.

Local officials have ordered a pre-emptive evacuation in the area, in anticipation of incoming typhoon “Quiel”. -- Report from Pia Gutierrez, ABS-CBN News