Photo by: Batang Gapo FB Page
By: Alex Q. Galang
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Two people were confirmed dead while two others were injured after a landslide struck the Tipo High-Tech Park inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone on Saturday, Aug. 29, amid continuous heavy rains.
The incident occurred along Tipo Road near the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), where non-stop rains triggered soil erosion that led to the collapse.
Personnel from the LED Special Operation Branch were deployed to James L. Gordon Hospital and Baypoint Hospital to assist in the search, rescue and emergency response operations.
Four victims were transported to the hospital. Two were confirmed deceased upon arrival, while the other two rescued individuals are receiving medical attention and are reportedly recuperating.
The fatalities were identified as:
- Peng Jiahan — Male, Chinese national, Sales and Marketing Supervisor of Fubong Environmental Technology.
- Ernesto Ramos — Male, Filipino national, driver of the dump truck, who was initially reported missing and was later found dead following the search and rescue operation.
The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) said its Security Team, with the assistance of volunteers and other concerned personnel, conducted continuing search and rescue operations following the landslide.
Meanwhile, in nearby Olongapo City, a 60-year-old man was found dead inside his vehicle after becoming trapped in chest-deep floodwaters at the corner of Sta. Rita Road in Barangay Mabayuan at around 2 p.m. Saturday.
Initial information indicated that the man may have suffered a heart attack while trapped in the floodwaters, although authorities have yet to officially determine the cause of death.
The incidents occurred as heavy rains caused flooding, soil erosion and difficult road conditions in several areas of Olongapo and the Subic Bay Freeport.
The landslide in Tipo also affected traffic flow in the area. Motorists were advised to take alternative routes while clearing and emergency response operations continued.
The SBMA said it is conducting a thorough investigation into the landslide and coordinating with concerned agencies as part of its continuing emergency response.
Authorities urged residents and motorists to exercise extreme caution, particularly in areas affected by flooding, soil erosion and unstable slopes, as heavy rains continue.
Further updates will be provided as authorities complete the recovery and investigation operations.