Makati gov't orders evacuation of families along C-5

MANILA, Philippines - The Makati City government yesterday ordered the immediate evacuation of at least 10 families living below the ridge along C-5 on 12th Avenue where a landslide on Thursday crushed three shanties and injured four persons including a pregnant woman.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay also sent a team from the Office of the City Engineer to conduct an ocular inspection of the area. He said some portions of the ridge are unstable and are prone to more rockslides and landslides.

“The Makati Social Welfare Department (MSWD) is now closely coordinating with the barangay officials of East Rembo to arrange for the immediate evacuation of the affected families to a safer place. I have also given specific instructions to Barangay East Rembo officials to ensure that no other structure shall be allowed in areas that may put lives in danger,” Binay said.

Binay said the city government through MSWD has a number of programs in place to assist informal settlers, including the ‘Balik-Probinsiya’ program wherein they will be given financial assistance to return to their respective hometowns and start anew.

Meanwhile, the engineering office said it has yet to be determined if the landslide was caused by an ongoing construction at the Cavalry Hills housing project, as claimed by Barangay East Rembo barangay chairman Artemio Contreras.

The office said it had sent letters to the Metro Manila Development Authority requesting the construction of a slope protection or retaining wall on the ridge.