Family of farmer-miner swept away by landslide in Baguio still hopes they can find him alive

Baguio City, Philippines - Hope remains alive for the family of the 35-year-old man as search operations continue, days after he was believed to have been swept away by a landslide-triggered torrent in Barangay Kias, Baguio City.

The missing individual, identified as Jerry Watawat, married, a resident of Purok Balligi, who is both a farmer and pocket miner, went to check on his father in their garden at Mt. Emerald at around 2 p.m. on July 28.

It was said that after he had spoken to his father, Jerry headed home but has not been seen since.

He was believed to have been caught in a sudden landslide and dragged by a raging tributary of the Bued River.

According to barangay officials, the incident was only reported to authorities on July 29 when Jerry’s father confirmed that he had not returned and feared the worst might have happened.

Despite the relentless monsoon rains in the past few days, search and rescue teams, including those from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), the Philippine Military Academy, and the Philippine Air Force’s Technical Operations Group, were deployed to scour the area going to Ampucao, Itogon.

Specialized equipment like that of a life locator device has been used to help trace any signs of life.

Local officials and volunteers from the community have also joined the search efforts.

During the search, a dead body was found in San Fabian but it was not Jerry, as confirmed by his relatives.

The family extended gratitude to everyone working to help locate their missing member, saying, “…your hard work and sacrifice mean so much to our family during this painful time. We will always be truly grateful for your efforts.”

As the search enters the sixth day, the family continues to hope that Jerry will be found.

Those with information that may aid the search are encouraged to inform the nearest barangay office or local authorities.