BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Mayor Benjamin Magalong announced the possible declaration of a ‘no-build zone’ at ground zero of Barangay Guisad Surong, after severe landslides buried three houses, killing ten people, during the height of the southwest monsoon in Baguio City.

According to Magalong, affected residents in this area will not be allowed to return to live or build houses because there are signs of soil instability observed by city engineers.

“I had our engineers go to the landslide area and they saw that the soil is too stressed, so it is dangerous to live in. And for the displaced residents, the DSWD promised to first cover the rental support for their relocation and we will also arrange for them to find relocation sites,” Magalong said.

It was learned that more than 20 families affected by the Guisad Surong landslide are temporarily staying at the Baguio International Academy.

He said they have first banned residents from returning to the area and the city government will temporarily find rental houses for the affected families while working on a permanent relocation site.

According to Magalong, DSWD Gatchalian promised that the agency will assume the ₱10,000 monthly rental fee for three to six months, while long-term socialized housing is being arranged.

He said he has also coordinated with the concerned agencies, especially the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), to revisit the area for a clean-up drive and assess the area and identify engineering solutions to help prevent similar incidents.

Magalong said the Baguio city government continues to lead the local response, coordinating relief operations and working with national government agencies to address the immediate needs of affected families.

Magalong previously revealed that there was also a landslide in the area in the 1970s, just next to the area where the deadly landslide struck on Sunday. (By Rose Frejane A. Cruz)