Rescuers doubt they will find any more survivors of the landslide that devastated Brgy. Masara in Maco, Davao De Oro.
Edward Macapili, spokesperson of the Davao De Oro Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, explained that search and rescue operations should have only lasted 48 hours after the landslide happened last February 6.
However, the provincial government decided to extend the search and rescue operations after the rescue of a three-year-old girl and a baby boy gave hope that some survivors remain buried under the rubble and soil.
"After another 48 hours, ginawa na siyang search, rescue, and retrieval operations last Friday. Kahapon, nag-decide na search and retrieval na lang talaga," Macapili said on Tuesday, February 13, during DZRH's Dos Por Dos.
Macapili added that authorities estimate that the landslide buried Apex Mining workers and brgy residents. Masara to up to 50 meters deep of soil.
"As far as the thickness of the land na tumambak doon sa ground, impossible na may buhay pa," the official stressed.