Big rocks roll down on shanties

CEBU, Philippines - Four houses built at the foot of the mountain in sitio Tigib, Lagtang,Talisay City around 9 p.m. yesterday were crashed by big rocks which rolled down from the top nearly killing a family of four who lives in a shanty.

A big rocks, with a diameter of almost two feet, first rolled down on the house of Danilo Rallos and slammed unto their small living room.

Rallos said a minute before it came down, the entire family was gathered there, and it was just luck when everyone moved to the kitchen to watch his wife prepare dinner.

After smashing into the Rallos's home, the rock continued rolling down and knocked the house of Emiliana Beltran.

It was also fortunate that Beltran, her daughter and two grandchildren were out to get some food, said barangay councilman Osias Quilong-quilong.

"Maayo nalang kay gipanggutom sila maong nanggawas sa bay para mokuha og bugas. Nahitabo pa nga naa ra sila sa sud, na ambot lang unsay dangatan nila," said Quilong-quilong.

Three more houses owned by Vivian Tarantar, Leonardo and Maribeth Cabillon and Lolita Tancinco were also damaged by big rocks, loosened after days of heavy rains.

Meanwhile, city Councilor Semy Cabuenas, former Lagtang barangay chief, immediately requested the city engineering office to inspect the hilltop following reports that there are more rocks that are loosening and may roll down again on the houses below.

Quilong-quilong said since the death of a pregnant woman, who was crashed to death by a big rock here last year, the barangay has requested city hall to relocate all the families to safer areas.

He said the families have shown "willingness" to transfer, it is just that the city hall has not acted upon our request. There are at least 50 shanties standing near the foot of this hill, on a lot which is reportedly owned by the Aznar family.

The city could not act upon the request, as according to its public information officer Arturo Bas, the residents which barangay officials would like to be relocated are "not registered urban poor members." He said they must register with the city's Local Housing Office first to be qualified for relocation slots. Bas however said he is set to discuss the matter with the office to see what the city can do to address the problem.

Bas however said the city social welfare office has already assessed the damage brought about by the falling boulders for the city to know what assistance it could give to the affected families. (FREEMAN)