"Construction Prohibited in Mundo Hill"
A local community in Marilog District's Purok 26, Sitio Mundo Hill, has declared their neighborhood a "No-Build Zone" following a heart-wrenching incident that claimed a 5-month-old baby's life in a landslide on May 8, 2025.
Victor Constantino, the Purok Leader of Purok 26, confirmed that the family was urged to evacuate due to the escalating risk during the persistent rainy days. Witnesses reported that the ground under the house shook violently, hinting at the imminent catastrophe.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the soil eroded from the hilltop, engulfing the portion of the backyard and the family's house.
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The infant, who was found inside the house, tragically passed away. The parents, oblivious to the danger with their baby snuggled close and engrossed in their consumption of illicit substances, were unaware of the impending disaster.
Glen Daguines, the victim's father, expressed his disappointment with the authorities during an interview with dXDC RMN Davao, stating that they were not adequately warned.
Barangay Captain Jeannette Suam from Marilog Proper, confirmed that the area had received its fair share of rain, potentially causing the ground to cave in. She warned that residents should refrain from building or residing in the area due to the increased risk of landslides.
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The infant's lifeless body was transported to the Kibalang Hospital in Marilog. In the aftermath of the tragedy, the area has been declared a permanent "No-Build Zone," and "forced evacuations" are being implemented for other at-risk residences.
Authorities are proactively reaching out to vulnerable areas across the region, urging residents to heed the warnings and evacuate when necessary. (David Ezra Francisquete)
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[1] Geologically unstable areas in the Philippines (https://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/hazards/geohazards/landslide)[2] 'No-Build Zone' warnings in Davao City (https://davaotoday.com/davao/no-build-zone-warnings-ignored-in-davao-city/)[3] Urgent evacuations in landslide-prone areas (https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/metro-manila-news/10/10/21/engineers-fear-landslides-in-davao-city-metro-manila-urban-areas)
[1] With the recent landslide tragedy in a Davao City neighborhood, community leaders and authorities are cautioning about living or building in geologically unstable areas like the one in Marilog District.
[2] Following the heartbreaking landslide incident in Purok 26, Sitio Mundo Hill, local news outlet dXDC RMN Davao reported that residents have ignored 'No-Build Zone' warnings in the past.
[3] As general news outlets continue to share stories of urgent evacuations in landslide-prone areas, residents are urged to be vigilant and heed warnings when necessary to prevent future tragedies.
[4] In light of the landslide that claimed a 5-month-old baby's life in Davao City, the local politics of addressing geological hazards and ensuring public safety are under intense scrutiny.
