PGMA orders retrieval of bodies in Benguet landslides

Manila (14 October) — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered the immediate retrieval of the bodies still buried by landslides in Benguet.

The President made the order during the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC)-Cabinet meeting held at the West Central Elementary School in Dagupan City.

“Rescue is priority, then relief,” she added.

The President was in Dagupan City to distribute relief goods to thousands of victims of typhoon “Pepeng”.

The evacuees are temporarily housed at the city astrodome.

Truckloads of relief goods were transported from the Malacanang Emergency Relief Center, where over 9,000 volunteers tirelessly pack the relief goodies consisting of rice, canned goods, noodles, bottled water, candles, and clothing, among others.

Earlier in the day, the President was in La Trinidad, Benguet, to distribute relief goods to typhoon victims.

She also condoled with and handed out P10,000 each to families who lost their loved ones.

She said many are still buried in landslides in Benguet. (PIA)