House probing Naga, Benguet landslides

CEBU, Philippines — A congressional investigation into the massive landslides that killed close to 200 people in Naga City, Cebu and Itogon, Benguet is underway.

Cebu City South District Representative Rodrigo Abellanosa confirmed that a resolution calling for the investigation has been filed by Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate.

“Yes, naa nay resolution. We will schedule the investigation when the Congress resumes session in November,” Abellanosa, chairman of the House committee on natural resources, told The FREEMAN.

Zarate, in his resolution, said typhoon Ompong was not the only factor in the landslides. He said the areas where the tragedies happened are located near the mining and quarry sites.

Last September 20, a landslide hit Barangay Tinaan in Naga City, Cebu, killing at least 78 people and left five missing.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier called on the Congress to repeal the mining law. Abellanosa said his committee has been collating all the pending bills and resolutions about the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 after the president issued the call.

He said there are pending resolutions calling for the repeal of the mining law, rehabilitation of the mined areas, and stricter rules for mining and quarrying in the country.

Abellanosa said his committee has yet to get the names of the people to be invited as resource persons. He said the investigation will be in aid of legislation.

Officials from both the Naga City government and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau said they are willing to face the investigation.

MGB-7 information officer Marian Codilla said the agency is always open to any kind of investigation, describing it as the “beauty of democracy.”

She added that MGB-7 will cooperate in the investigation if it can help address the issues underlying the incident.

Naga City Mayor Kristine Chiong also welcomes any investigation. Information officer Garry Cabotaje said the city government is ready to cooperate. (FREEMAN)