2 bodies recovered from Rizal trash avalanche

MANILA, Philippines—Two bodies believed to be landfill workers buried alive under mounds of garbage in Rizal last week, have been recovered Thursday, leaving the number of missing workers to one, police said.

A PANORAMIC view of the Rizal Provincial Sanitary Landfill, where four workers are feared buried alive on Friday. ROMY HOMILLADA

Chief Superintendent Benito Estipona, Calabarzon regional police director, said the lower torso believed to be that of Eddie Malano, 44, was recovered around 3:30 a.m., while the body of Rovidico Olog was recovered around 9:15 a.m.

It was identified by Malano’s wife through a rubber anklet and a motorcycle key found at the victim’s pocket.

Olog’s body was also identified by his wife, and other relatives, Estipona said.

“Continuous retrieval operation still ongoing for one remaining victim Pablito Esto,” Estipona added.

Reports had it that four landfill workers were initially buried alive when tons of trash collapsed at a garbage dump in Barangay (village) San Isidro, Rodriguez, Rizal around 4 p.m. Friday.

On Wednesday, the body of backhoe operator Gary Balahibo was recovered.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Francis Tolentino earlier said that information reaching him indicated the victims tried to run from the backhoe when they saw the trash slide.