• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
In response to the slow-paced retrieval of the cadavers who those killed by typhoon Tino in Negros Occidental’s 5th District, 3 additional K9 units were deployed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other private agencies to assist in the operation.
Fifth District Representative Emilio Bernardino Yulo III said yesterday during a media interview that around 60 individuals from his district remain missing after the onslaught of the typhoon. However, the exact number of missing individuals is still being verified as more residents continue to report missing family members.
“We have deployed three K9 teams from PNP, and others are from private groups, to hasten the retrieval of cadavers,” the solon said.
“We can’t yet determine the exact figure because since yesterday, people have been coming to us seeking help,” he added.
Meanwhile, as the authorities face several challenges in the conduct of search and retrieval operations, Yulo has issued an urgent call for drone owners to augment the effort and resources for locating the victims.
“We are appealing to our drone operators to volunteer and assist in speeding up the search for our missing persons in the Fifth District. Please come to our office for coordination and further details,” his statement said.
Yulo added that the district remains in the early recovery stage, with continuous rains slowing down clearing and retrieval efforts.
“We’re still in the post-recovery phase—hopefully once the rains stop, we can move faster,” he explained.
Aside from the rescue and retrieval operations, the solon also sought volunteers, particularly chainsaw operators, to help authorities in clearing fallen trees and debris that are blocking several roads and communities in the district.
“We are urgently appealing to our chainsaw operators to please proceed to our office as soon as possible to assist in clearing our areas,” the post read.
The fifth district was one of the areas that suffered extensive damage to property and loss of life due to the strong winds and flash floods caused by typhoon Tino.*
