A devastating landslide struck a family home in Sitio Kandarong Riverside, Barangay Pulangbato, on Friday, October 9, resulting in the deaths of two young children and their grandmother.
Xian Caballero, aged 5, and his 6-year-old brother Kyden, along with their 60-year-old grandmother Judith, lost their lives in the incident. Their mother, Jolly Pearl Andamon, 38, managed to survive and was quickly transported to a local hospital.
Rescue operations, involving local barangay teams, the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and the Bureau of Fire Protection, faced significant challenges. Heavy rains and unstable soil conditions hindered their efforts for nearly six hours.
Our deepest prayers and sympathies are with the family during this painful time.
Nestor Archival, Cebu City Mayor
Rescuers first retrieved Xian at approximately 1:45 p.m., but despite immediate medical attention, he succumbed to his injuries.
Andamon was rescued shortly after, alive but in distress. Tragically, Kyden was found at around 4:24 p.m., followed by Judith at 5:43 p.m. Both had died before they could be brought to safety.
The landslide not only devastated the family but also forced the evacuation of 35 households, affecting 137 residents. Two homes were completely destroyed, prompting temporary shelter arrangements at the Pulangbato Gym for those displaced.
The city government has pledged to provide financial assistance of P20,000 to the families of each deceased victim, as well as support for those whose homes were damaged.
Mayor Archival has urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration forecasts continued rainfall due to the intertropical convergence zone.
In light of the tragedy, Archival has asked the public to avoid the landslide site to ensure access for emergency responders.