PB to start probe on landslide

The Provincial Board (PB) will start its investigation on the landslide that occurred in the City of Naga today.

PB Members led by Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale invited officials of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office to help shed light on the incident.

The investigation will help Capitol come up with policies on smallscale quarrying, said Magpale.

Aside from their investigation, the PB will also approve a resolution that will authorize Gov. Hilario Davide III to sign a deed of donation and facilitate the turnover of a 2.1-hectare parcel of land from the Balili property in Barangay Tina-an, City of Naga to the City Government.

The property will be used for the construction of permanent housing structures for residents who were directly affected by the landslide that covered several houses and killed more than 70 people in Sitio Sindulan last Sept. 20.

Davide and Magpale promised City of Naga Mayor Kristine Vanessa Chiong last week that they would fast-track the approval of the resolution for the National Housing Authority to immediately start construction in the area.

PB Members Raul Bacaltos and Yolanda Daan of the first district will co-sponsor the resolution.

Also, the MGB will release its findings on whether those staying in the 11 evacuation centers in Naga will be able to return to their homes.