By ZALDY COMANDA
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – After three days of search and retrieval operations in two landslide areas in Banaue, Ifugao, authorities finally retrieved the bodies of two missing engineers of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) last Sunday.
Regional Office Cordillera director Brig. Gen. R’win Pagkalinawan said the remains of John Limoh, 31, of Ducligan, Banaue, was found at 1:20 p.m. in Sitio Wang-wang, Barangay Lubu-ong.
Limoh was identified by his father William, sister Jocelyn, and wife Jojhie.
Minutes later, the body of Julius Gulayan Jr. was also retrieved in nearby Sitio Balat, Barangay Lubu-ong.
Gulayan’s cousin Reynald Guimpatan and uncle Gabriel Binohlan Jr. were able to identify him through his dentures and his curly hair.
The retrieval teams also found an unidentified body in Barangay Lubu-ong. It will be brought to the municipal hall for processing and identification.
The bodies of two other personnel of the DPWH-Ifugao 2nd District Engineering Office – Joel B. Chur-ig, 47, driver, of Lagawe, Ifugao; and Johnny M. Duccog, 57, laborer, of Chango, Barangay Viewpoint, Banaue – were found last Nov. 13.
Pagkalinawan said James Harold Guinyang, a DPWH maintenance worker, was rescued alive early last Thursday. He was taken to the Good News Clinic and Hospital where he is undergoing treatment.
The five DPWH personnel and a private contractor took refuge at the residence of Bresler Tucdaan after clearing an earlier landslide caused by typhoon “Ulysses” at Viewpoint. The residence was situated on the shoulder of the road in Sitio Nabitu.
Unfortunately, another landslide occurred at 11:30 p.m. sending the house crashing into the 100-foot ravine.
Pagkalinawan said the rescue teams will continue with their search and retrieval operations for three more missing victims in the landslide areas.
