MALAPATAN, Sarangani — Beneath tons of mud, rocks, and uprooted trees that buried an entire community, rescuers continue to hold on to one mission fueled by hope, compassion, and humanity: bringing home 1-year-old Saviour Yaton, the last person still missing after the catastrophic landslide that struck Sitio Blisong (Pandao), Barangay Poblacion.
On July 15, Mission SAVE entered its third day as members of the Incident Management Team (IMT), search and retrieval specialists, and various government agencies gathered once again for a tactical briefing before resuming the painstaking operation in the disaster zone.
The mission is not merely a search operation—it is a promise to a grieving family that their youngest loved one will not be forgotten.
Incident Commander Bonbon Quiño led the operational briefing attended by personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Air Force (PAF), Philippine National Police (PNP)-Malapatan, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Malapatan, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), MDRRMO, local government units, and partner volunteers.
The operation was initiated under the directive of Malapatan Mayor Salway “Jun” Sumbo Jr., who ordered the continuation of retrieval efforts after the family appealed for authorities to recover the child’s remains so he could finally be laid to rest with dignity.
Mission Born from Compassion
Mission SAVE was officially launched after authorities acknowledged that Saviour Yaton remains the lone missing victim following the deadly landslide triggered by Typhoon Inday, intensified by the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat).
Earlier retrieval efforts had already recovered the bodies of nine victims, but the youngest among them remains buried somewhere beneath the unstable mountainside.
According to local authorities, approximately 37 personnel from multiple agencies have been mobilized for the highly specialized operation.
The mission is expected to last at least five days, depending on weather conditions, terrain stability, and the safety of responders.
Mayor Sumbo emphasized that the local government remains committed to fulfilling the family’s request despite the enormous risks involved.
Before launching the retrieval operation, the municipal government also conducted an aerial assessment aboard a Philippine Air Force S-70i Black Hawk helicopter, allowing officials to evaluate the extent of the devastation, deliver relief supplies to isolated residents, and transport recovered victims back to their families.
Operations Hampered by Dangerous Conditions
The retrieval effort has proven extremely challenging.
Continuous rainfall, unstable slopes, deep layers of debris, and the constant threat of secondary landslides continue to endanger rescuers working in the area.
On July 14, the second day of operations, Team Mission SAVE was forced to temporarily suspend its search after heavy rains made conditions too hazardous for personnel.
Authorities stressed that while finding Baby Saviour remains the highest priority, the safety of search teams cannot be compromised.
Operations resumed as weather conditions allowed, with rescuers returning to the site on Wednesday after another operational briefing.
A Family Almost Entirely Wiped Out
The tragedy that befell the Yaton family remains one of the most heartbreaking stories of the disaster.
The landslide claimed the lives of:
- Ricky Ben Yaton, 31 (father)
- Bonbon Cawari, 27 (mother)
- Prince Eljay C. Yaton, 7
- Thirdy Yaton, 3
Only Saviour Yaton, just one year old, has yet to be found.
The landslide also wiped out another entire household:
- Alejandro Maladian, 46
- Gina Maladian, 44, who was four months pregnant
- Jordan B. Maladian, 18
- Reniel B. Maladian, 8
- Weljay B. Maladian, 5
The confirmed death toll now stands at nine recovered victims, while Baby Saviour remains the 10th and final victim still missing beneath the massive landslide.
Searching for Closure
Authorities described Mission SAVE as the final chapter of the recovery effort—not only to account for every victim but also to provide long-awaited closure to the bereaved family.
For rescuers, every hour spent digging through unstable earth represents more than disaster response. It is a commitment that no life will be left behind, regardless of the dangers they face.
The operation has drawn together soldiers, police officers, firefighters, coast guard personnel, disaster responders, local officials, and volunteers, all united by a single humanitarian objective: to return Baby Saviour to his family and allow him a dignified burial.
Despite relentless rain and the unforgiving terrain, the mission continues with determination and hope.
As Team Mission SAVE enters another difficult day, authorities continue to ask for prayers for the safety of every responder risking their lives on the mountainside and for strength for the grieving family awaiting the day when Baby Saviour is finally brought home.
The Mindanao Sentinel extends its deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the families of all the victims of the Malapatan landslide, especially the loved ones of Baby Saviour Yaton. No words can truly ease the pain of losing an entire family in such a devastating tragedy.
We also express our profound gratitude to every member of Mission SAVE and the many responders from the AFP, PAF, PNP, BFP, PCG, MDRRMO, local government units, and volunteers whose courage and compassion continue to inspire amid unimaginable hardship.
May Baby Saviour be found soon, may every responder remain safe, and may the grieving families find comfort, strength, and peace as the community continues to stand together in hope.