Buried alive by “TD Maymay” landslide: Two cooks die as Benguet eatery collapses

La Trinidad, Benguet – Two cooks lost their lives while another was injured after a rain-induced landslide triggered by Tropical Depression Maymay buried an eatery in Barangay Shilan, La Trinidad, Benguet, on Thursday morning, August 6.

Police initially identified the fatalities as a 66-year-old and a 31-year-old, both employed as cooks at the eatery. Another cook, a 55-year-old man, survived the tragedy but sustained injuries.

Based on the initial police report obtained by several national and local media outlets, the landslide struck shortly after 8:00 a.m. while seven people were inside the establishment.

Four occupants managed to escape moments before the building was engulfed by soil and rocks. However, three others were trapped beneath the debris.

Rescuers immediately launched search and retrieval operations despite the continuing threat of another landslide.

At around 10:00 a.m., emergency responders pulled the 55-year-old cook from the rubble alive and rushed him to the Benguet General Hospital for treatment.

The two remaining victims were later recovered from beneath the debris and were declared dead at the scene.

As of this writing, authorities have yet to release a complete report on the incident. The identities of the fatalities and the other occupants of the eatery have not been disclosed pending further investigation.

According to the latest advisory from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Maymay weakened into a tropical depression after crossing Northern Luzon on August 6.

Before weakening, the weather disturbance made landfall in Ilocos Sur and traversed the Cordillera region, bringing heavy rainfall that triggered landslides and increased the risk of flooding in several areas.

PAGASA continues to warn residents in Benguet, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Abra, Apayao, and nearby areas to remain vigilant against possible landslides, flash floods, and rockfalls, as rains may persist even after the tropical cyclone has weakened.

Residents living near mountain slopes, rivers, and landslide-prone areas are urged to heed the advice of local authorities and evacuate immediately whenever necessary.