LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – A member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Apayao and a policeman were killed in a landslide last Thursday in Barangay Dibagat, Kabugao, Apayao.
Police Major Carol Lacuata, information officer of the Police Regional Office Cordillera, identified the victims as Apayao Provincial Board Member Butz Mangalao and Police Corporal Rommel Bunay Gumidam.
Lacuata said the victims were on their way to Calanasan for a meeting but landslides and heavy rains on the way promoted them to forego their trip and took temporary shelter in a house in Barangay Dibagat.
However, a landslide hit the house while they were sleeping, burying them alive.
The remains of the victims were retrieved by residents and taken to a house owned by Carlo Balalang. Kabugao police are on their way to get the cadavers. (Zaldy Comanda)
