At least 11 rescued from burning Mt. Banahaw

By: Nestor Corrales - 11 years ago

MANILA, Philippines— At least 11 people on Thursday were rescued from the burning Mount Banahaw in Quezon Province, a radio report said.

The report said six men, four women, and a child were rescued from the mountain.

It added that the rescued people were immediately brought to the police station for investigation for violating environmental restrictions imposed in the said place.

Since 2004, backpackers have been banned from the area to protect its biodiversity.

Vicente Tobazar, Office for Civil Defense Director for Region IV-A, said the fire has so far damaged 50 hectares since it broke out Wednesday night.

Early this Thursday, helicopters carrying buckets of water were sent to Mount Banahaw in an attempt to put out a forest fire that has been raging for more than 12 hours, Quezon Dr. Henry Buzar, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) said.