In the aftermath of the landslide in Maco town, Davao de Oro province, Apex Mining Co. Inc., has pledged assistance and full cooperation with authorities.
In a report by the Inquirer, Luis Sarmiento, President and CEO of Apex Mining, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting the provincial government’s relief operations. The company provides essential supplies, such as food packs, drinking water, and medical services to affected communities.
Apex Mining is also in discussions with the Department of Social Welfare and Development for the potential deployment of experts to address psycho-social trauma through counseling.
Furthermore, Apex Mining reported that all its transport services have been located, with one bus safely reaching its destination and others found at the landslide ground zero.
The company asserted that the February 6 landslide, which claimed 27 lives with numerous others missing, occurred outside its mining area.
As of February 9, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported 151 individuals listed as casualties, including 27 deceased, 35 injured, and 89 missing.
Apex Mining clarified that ongoing validation processes are in place for these figures. The company is actively assisting the Mines and Geosciences Bureau and the Environmental Management Bureau in information gathering, providing regular aerial video footage of the landslide area for monitoring and evaluation.
Apex Mining’s Emergency Response Teams (ERTs) have collaborated with government rescuers and ERTs from other companies in the search and rescue operations. The company has deployed heavy equipment and rescue gear to augment local government resources.
Other mining companies and suppliers are joining forces to support relief efforts, contributing to Emergency Response Teams and Ground Penetrating Radar.
