Rain,quarrying behind landslides

Not just rain, but quarrying in a mountain site contributed to the landslide that killed a man who went to fetch water at a spring in barangay Jaclupan, Talisay city on Thursday during typhoon Ofel.

Talisay City Entineer Audie Bacasmas, who sent staff to inspect the site, said they found that  continuous extraction of soil in sitio Tabok Sapa was a factor in the mishap.

Police said the site was out of the way for most residents, but recommended that a cordon be set up as a precaution.

“We shouldn’t be complacent since there may be spectators who go there out of curousity,” said Supt. Eddie Recamera, Talisay police chief, who inspected the site.

Financial aid from the Talisay city government will also be given to the family of the victim, 66-year-old Ruben Tabura Sr.

Tabura was fetching water in the well by a spring, where he usually takes a bath, when rocks and softened soil in the mountain area fell on him.

He left a wife and three children, who are seeking assistance after losing the the family’s breadwinner.

His daughter-in-law Michelle Arat said continuous rains in the past days may have softened the soil near the well and triggered the landslide.

Burial aid will be given,  said Beth Solana, social work chief of Talisay city, who offered to help apply for additional aid for the family from the Office of Civil Defense and provincial and regional offices of DSWD.

Tabura built the well which is near a spring about 500 meters from their house.

Erlinda, his wife, said the  trisikad driver came home about 11:45 a.m. after driving and went to the well to fetch water.

When he didn’t return after a while, she got worried and reported to the barangay captain.  Along with barangay tanods, they went to the well and found the mound of soil which they dug up.

Tabura was recovered after three hours. He was wearing checkered shorts and no shirt.

The site is seven to ten kilometers away from the poblacion.

The Taburas are natives of Sabagat, Agusan Del Sur who settled in Cebu five years ago. Their home is known to be in a landslide prone area, but they  took the risk because it was near a source of water.

The site is far , however,  from  ongoing quarry operation of  a contractor undertaking road widening in barangay Camp 4 for the Department of Public Works and Highways.