PANDAG, Maguindanao del Sur — The body of a man believed to be the operator of an amphibious backhoe was recovered by rescuers on Thursday, September 17, after the heavy equipment reportedly overturned while being used in a dredging operation in Pandag, Maguindanao del Sur.
The recovery operation was conducted in the vicinity of Barangay Lower D’lag, where responders located and retrieved the victim following a coordinated search involving local authorities, emergency responders, police personnel and other concerned agencies.
Vice Mayor Sanny Macalintagui personally joined and helped lead the retrieval effort, together with personnel from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other responders.
Earlier reports said the amphibious backhoe overturned while reportedly being operated in the Buluan River area. A helper who was also reportedly aboard the equipment was said by residents to have survived the incident. The circumstances surrounding the accident, including what caused the heavy equipment to overturn, remained unclear as of the latest available information.
The search for the operator initially continued after his whereabouts became unknown following the accident. Local officials and residents immediately mobilized to assist responders in the operation.
ABC President Bajorie Balayman was also reported to have personally participated in the search effort and appealed for cooperation and assistance from residents and authorities.
The identity of the recovered victim had not yet been released by the source at the time of reporting. Authorities were also expected to conduct the appropriate documentation and investigation into the incident.
In a statement conveyed on behalf of Mayor Mohajeran “Odjie” Balayman, the municipal government expressed its condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones.
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.”
The municipal government prayed for strength, comfort and peace for the bereaved family as they face the loss of their loved one.