KORONADAL CITY, Philippines – Three sitios in a village in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato have turned into “ghost communities,” as their residents refuse to return to their homes, shaken by the presence of big cracks on the ground.
Affected by the situation are more than 600 families from the sitios of Bentung, Lemuti and Takobokong in Barangay Lamlahak.
The ground cracks can be seen in hilly portions of the three sitios, covering about 40 hectares.
The STAR learned that the residents started fleeing the area last month upon the advice of barangay and municipal officials, who warned that multiple landslides could occur.
The evacuees are now staying at the Lamlahak proper.
Lake Sebu Mayor Antonio Fungan said it is no longer safe for the villagers to remain in their communities.
Datu Tungko Saikol, Central Mindanao executive director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, said the Mines and Geosciences Bureau has sent a team of geologists and mining engineers to look into the ground cracks.