DAVAO CITY – Authorities resumed search and retrieval operations on Tuesday, Sept. 16, for missing individuals in a flash flood at Mini Asik-Asik Falls in Barangay Carmen, Baguio District, this city.
Police Major Lisandro Bernardo, commander of the Baguio Police Station, said operations resumed past 6 a.m. for three missing individuals.
Barangay Carmen Captain Socrates Estomata confirmed in an interview with DXDC RMN Davao that eight individuals were swept away during the incident, including three persons from Barangay Tamayong bathing when the flash flood struck on Sunday, Sept. 14.
The Baguio Police Station said the search and rescue team has recovered four bodies.
Authorities earlier rescued at least 12 people trapped in the flash flood.
Police identified the fatalities as Noel Polistico Sr., 47, found in the Talomo River in Barangay Riverside in Calinan; his 11-year-old son, found in Campo 5, Kilometer 22; a 12-year-old girl discovered in Barangay Malagos, and a 29-year-old woman recovered on Tapay St.in Barangay Mintal.
Authorities said search and retrieval efforts will continue until all missing individuals are accounted for.
Responders from the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office in Carmen are assisting operations.