3 missing in Rizal trash slide

National

A MASSIVE collapse at a private sanitary landfill in Rodriguez, Rizal left three people missing on Friday, Feb. 20.

Urban poor group, Kalipunan ng Damatang Mahihirap group (Kadamay), said that a much higher death toll may arise as there are still unconfirmed number of individuals buried under mounds of garbage.

The force of the collapse was powerful enough to sweep away a bulldozer where an estimated 50 individuals have been caught up by the disaster, a report by Inquirer.net said.

Mimi Doringo, secretary general of Kadamay, urged directed the authorities to take immediate action before it's too late.

Local residents reported that the incident occurred at approximately 2 p.m.

Rodriguez Mayor Ronnie Evangelista confirmed that authorities are currently searching for three missing individuals.

According to Evangelista, municipal offices are maintaining a close coordination with the landfill's private operator, International Solid Waste Integrated Management Specialist Inc., "in monitoring the situation to determine the whereabouts of the missing persons and adequately address the situation.”(Rocelle S. Caparro, BiPSU Comm Intern)