By Zaldy Comanda
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – A member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Apayao province and a cop were killed after they were buried by a landslide Thursday night in Barangay Dibagat, Kabugao, Apayao.
Police Major Carol Lacuata, regional information officer of the Police Regional Office-Cordillera identified the victims as Apayao Board Member Butz Mangalao and Police Corporal Rommel Bunay Gumidam of Calanasan Municipal Police Station, Apayao.
Lacuata said the victims were headed for Calanasan town but because of the landslides along the way and heavy rains they decided to spend the night in the house of one Padi Pugyao.
The victims were reportedly sleeping when a landslide occurred burying the house.