The search, rescue and retrieval (SRR) operation at the landslide-hit Barangay Masara in Maco, Davao de Oro entered its fifth day on Sunday, Feb. 11, but the hope to find survivors was dimming as more bodies were retrieved by rescuers.

According to the Maco municipal disaster risk reduction and management office (MDRMRO), a total 37 bodies have already been recovered as of 12 noon while 63 others remained missing.

"Since yesterday, no survivor was found but the number of cadavers being recovered is increasing," Edward Macapili, Davao de Oro executive assistant for communications and public relations, said in a radio interview over DZBB.

There were scattered rainshowers in the area early Sunday, forcing rescuers to evacuate to safer grounds from time to time due to the movement of the ground at the "Ground Zero".

"Today, the sky was dark and it was raining last night until early this morning. In spite of that, our operation continues," Macapili said.

The SRR and clearing operation has been difficult as rescuers had to dig up to 50 meters below the ground just to find survivors or bodies.

"The entire landslide area from crown to foot is 1.9 hectares and the thickness of the soil that got dumped on the village varies from 30 meters to 50 meters," Macapili revealed.

For context, most of the retrieved bodies were found in sections of the slide which are only eight to 10 meters thick, the official added.

To hasten the SRR operation, other miners and responders from different provinces have already volunteered.

"Yesterday, two bodies were recovered by miners who volunteered from Agusan del Sur. We welcome anyone who would like to help but they need to coordinate with the incident commander at the ground zero because we prioritize the safety of everyone," Macapili said.

"Yesterday, the rescuers had to stop the operation for two hours because they detected a movement, a scarring of the soil from the landslide area at the back of the mountain. The ground commander ordered the rescuers to evacuate," he added.