Switching to retrieval

Everybody was anxious as Naga City Mayor Kristine Chiong made the announcement the operations at the landslide site will now be switching from search and rescue to search and retrieval. It devastated even more the family members still hoping there were still survivors under the rubble. Although from the looks of it, it already seems impossible. We also understood that the most crucial time to find signs for survival was the first 24 hours, but operations remained slow but steady at that time.

A lot of people blame the director of the Police Regional Office-7 for pulling everybody out of the area and retaining only uniformed personnel. To his defense, he wanted to make sure everything was in order first before responders came to the area. It seemed like a wrong move. Even I, who was at the area was subject to his joke-like threat if we will not move out of the area by 6 p.m.

Now that the operations are now retrieval, I can only pray for the hopeful families. Identifying bodies has been getting harder as days go by. The National Bureau of Investigation said they will resort to DNA testing soon and recommended burying the bodies. Chemicals can't hold off the stench of decomposing bodies; but as humans they should be given a decent burial.

It is unclear what is next for Naga City. While the retrieval operations continue, people are on the ground busy making sure that the relocation site will be ready and that all the evacuees are given enough food and supplies. Switching to retrieval does not only mean on the operations itself at the site, but also retrieving one's sorrowful soul.

I pray for those who are undergoing these trying times. Despite the countless relief and aid from different individuals, it wouldn't be enough to appease them. I guess for now what they need more than just physical aid is a smile, a hug, and our presence that we care for them. When I was there over the weekend, a lot of them shared their experiences on that fateful day of September 20 and thanked me for listening to their stories.

As to the question if quarry and mining operations in the country will be stopped after the landslide, we still do not know. It would cost a fortune for Naga City and probably the province's economy. We can all pray that discernment be given to our top officials. May they know what steps to take to make sure lives are ensured and that we can still gain from what the Lord has given us in terms of natural resources.

There are still less than 20 missing individuals as of this writing. They all need to be found at the very least so that we can all have that peace of mind. Let's also pray for the responders and rescuers who have toiled day and night since the incident. We can all get through this.