Three mothers whose children remain missing after a landslide triggered by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Barangay San Isidro, Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental have accepted the possibility that they may never recover their loved ones.
Lorena Mansibad, Emely Gapa and Ester Tacas shared their experiences in an exclusive interview with Brigada Davao, describing the emotional toll of waiting for answers while their children remain listed as missing in government records.
The three women said they have gradually lost hope of finding their children after the landslide buried portions of the community during the powerful earthquake.
Mansibad recalled personally attempting to dig through the debris in search of her 11-year-old child. However, she said the effort was too dangerous because rocks and soil continued to fall from the unstable slope.
She also noted that aftershocks occurring from time to time further increased the risk in the area.
Gapa and Tacas said they have instead chosen to offer prayers for their children, acknowledging the dangers faced by rescuers if excavation efforts continue in unstable conditions.
According to the mothers, the risk of additional landslides could place more lives in danger.
During the interview, the three women became emotional as they recounted memories of their children and reflected on the uncertainty that has followed the disaster.
Their children remain among those officially listed as missing following the earthquake and landslide that struck the community.
Meanwhile, Brigada extended assistance to the three mothers, providing P10,000 each and a sack of rice through donations from supporters.
The assistance was intended to help the families cope with the hardships they continue to face in the aftermath of the disaster.
The magnitude 7.8 earthquake caused widespread damage across affected communities, with search, recovery and relief efforts continuing in several areas of Davao Occidental.
