LABASON, Zamboanga del Norte — A massive landslide struck Purok 3, Barangay Ubay, Labason, on the afternoon of September 3, 2025, leaving two residents buried under earth and debris following days of continuous heavy rainfall. After two days of relentless search and retrieval (SRR) operations, authorities confirmed that both missing individuals were recovered from the site.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) reported that the landslide hit a hilly area in Ubay, toppling trees, coconut palms, and rocks, and burying the victims under soil and rubble. Governor Darel T. Uy immediately directed the deployment of responders, volunteers, and heavy equipment from the Provincial Engineering Office (PEO) to aid in clearing and retrieval efforts. He also instructed the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) to prepare assistance packages for the affected families.
The Local Government Unit of Labason, under Mayor Hon. Jelster Ed T. Quimbo, activated the Incident Command System (ICS) to ensure all responding agencies operated under a unified structure with clear roles, communication lines, and resource allocation. This system was vital in maintaining safety and efficiency throughout the operation.
Among the responders were the Bureau of Fire Protection–Labason led by Acting Municipal Fire Marshal FINSP Joel S. Sabijon, PNP-Labason, Philippine Army, Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) IX, Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) IX, PDRRMO and PSWDO-ZDN, LDRRMO units from Labason, Liloy, Gutalac, and Tampilisan, Barangay Ubay officials, MENRO, MSWDO, ORACIS, various volunteer groups, and community members.
The Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LDRRMO) Liloy, under the leadership of Mayor Hon. Roberto Lim Uy Jr., deployed an emergency response team of 10 trained personnel, along with drone surveillance and Starlink communication support. These tools provided aerial hazard mapping, real-time situational awareness, and stable internet connectivity for field coordination despite possible network disruptions. Mayor Uy emphasized that extending help to neighboring towns reflects the true spirit of public service and Bayanihan.
The LDRRMO Tampilisan team also played a crucial role in assisting with the final retrieval, paying tribute to the collective effort and unity displayed by all response groups.
Videos shared by residents showed the extent of destruction, with fallen trees and heavy mudflows sweeping down the slopes. Authorities warned of possible additional soil movement and urged nearby residents to remain alert and ready for evacuation if necessary.
The provincial government continues to monitor the situation while preparing additional support for the victims’ families and affected communities. Officials stressed that with climate change making natural calamities more frequent, vigilance, environmental protection, and solidarity are essential to safeguarding communities.
Authorities and disaster experts also pointed out that the tragedy highlights the urgent need for local government units (LGUs) to revisit existing hazard maps and reassess identified danger zones. They underscored the importance of recalibrating geo-hazard assessments and strengthening disaster preparedness and response plans to ensure that vulnerable communities are better protected against future calamities.
“Our deepest sympathy and condolences go to the bereaved families,” officials stated. “May their pain and heartache be eased in time, and may they find comfort in the prayers and support of those around them. This tragedy also serves as a reminder that unity and preparedness remain our strongest defense in times of disaster.”