Leyte landslide rescuers honored

MANILA, Philippines - The municipal government of Kananga in Leyte and the Energy Development Corp. honored on Tuesday in a ceremony in Ormoc City 155 rescue workers who helped in the March 1 landslide in the EDC’s geothermal plant.

EDC president Richard Tantoco hailed the rescuers as heroes and recognized their help in successfully retrieving the bodies of 14 workers who were buried in the landslide while bringing 31 others to safety. The EDC gave each rescuer a certificate of appreciation and a token gift.

“They showed us what is in the heart of every rescuer, a heart for service and of selflessness and humility,” said Tantoco, a certified technical diver.

“The landslide was very tragic for everybody in EDC and the community. Still, we wanted to honor these dedicated rescue personnel. We wanted to thank them personally. We wanted to make them feel that rescue work is not a thankless job after all,” he added.

The Kananga municipal government, headed by Mayor Elmer Codilla, issued a resolution commending the efforts of various volunteer rescue teams for “their prompt, timely, and appropriate emergency response” to the landslide at EDC’s PAD 403 in Upper Mahiao, Kananga town.