Several Caraga mining companies have mobilized their Emergency Response Teams (ERTs) to respond to the landslide incident that occurred in the evening of February 6, 2024, at Zone 1, Barangay Masara, Municipality of Maco, Province of Davao de Oro.
On February 7, 2024, Mines and Geosciences Bureau Caraga Regional Director Larry M. Heradez sent a Letter addressed to the Resident Mine Managers through the Safety Managers of the Caraga mining companies encouraging them to provide support and show compassion to those affected by the unfortunate incident. In response, a number of mining companies prepared their respective ERTs to be deployed to the incident area. Similarly, some mining companies prepared relief goods and services for the survivors and affected families.
The combined efforts of MGB Regional Office No. XIII and Caraga mining companies, in close coordination with MGB Regional Office No. XI and the local authorities in Region XI, including but not limited to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, and Municipal Local Government Unit of Maco, strengthened the efficient and effective implementation in providing support and assistance.
The following mining companies have deployed their ERTs and extended relief operations as early as February 10, 2024:
- Carrascal Nickel Corporation (CNC)
- Kafugan Mining Incorporated (KMI)
- Philsaga Mining Corporation (PMC)
- Platinum Group Metals Corporation (PGMC)
Throughout the search and rescue efforts, the Search, Rescue, and Retrieval Teams from within and outside Caraga Region have had to constantly coordinate with the stakeholders to make the most use of available resources, prevent duplication of efforts, and maintain overall operational efficiency. Response teams worked together with volunteer groups, government agencies, local authorities, and other stakeholders involved in the search and rescue efforts. These teams diligently prioritized everyone’s safety during the operations by carefully implementing safety measures to reduce dangers posed by unstable terrain, possible subsequent landslides, and dangerous compounds found in the debris.
The following Caraga mining companies also extended their assistance by delivering additional relief goods such as, but not limited to, food, clothes, blankets, and hygiene kits:
- Agata Mining Ventures, Inc. (AMVI)
- Cagdianao Mining Corporation (CMC)
- Greenstone Resources Corporation (GRC)
- Hinatuan Mining Corporation (HMC)
- Taganito Mining Corporation (TMC)
- Silangan Mindanao Mining Company, Inc. (SMMCI)
Further, post-traumatic stress interviews and assessments were also conducted by trained personnel from PMC and GRC to provide survivors and affected families with an opportunity to express their ordeals, access support services, and begin the journey towards healing, resilience, and recovery. During challenging times, communities may promote solidarity, empathy, and hope by prioritizing the psychological health of survivors and impacted families. Furthermore, CNC and KMI also extended financial assistance in coordination with the Local Government of Maco.
After initial recovery efforts have been carried out, Caraga Region Mining ERTs continued to monitor the site for potential risks while assisting retrieval operations. They are lined up to provide services to the impacted communities as they embark on the arduous journey of rebuilding and recovery from the devastating impacts of the incident.
Caraga Region Mining ERTs provided an extensive record of their efforts by diligently documenting their activities, findings, and challenges during the retrieval operations. The gathered information will serve as a basis for post-disaster analysis, facilitating the application of lessons learned and providing guidance and reference for future response initiatives aimed at improving preparedness for and resilience to similar disasters.
As a whole, the ERTs have been the backbone of landslide incident retrieval operations, embodying resilience, compassion, and professionalism as they work tirelessly to save lives, alleviate suffering, and restore hope in the aftermath of disasters. Their unwavering dedication and proficiency embody the best of humanity in times of crisis.
