Brave Woman Rescues Infant in Davao de Oro Landslide, Among 10 Lives Lost
A brave woman lost her life after rescuing an infant in the Monkayo, Davao de Oro landslide, making her one of the 10 casualties.
The 35-year-old Ritchell Reboldad performed a heroic act to save an infant. According to her sister, Cheryl, Ritchell managed to throw an infant to safety on the side of the house just moments before the land crumbled.
“Bago pa lang sila nakarating para mag-Bible study, gumuho na ang lupa. Ang ate ko naman, [nasa] gilid pa ng bahay kaya naihagis pa niya ang baby kaya nakaligtas,” Cheryl said.
Ritchell’s remains were recovered during the search and retrieval operation. Out of the ten casualties, five were children, including a one-year-old infant. Another infant is currently in critical condition.
The lifeless body of 44-year-old Agnes Bitoon was also retrieved, leaving her partner, Reneboy Villanueva, in sorrow. “Aasikasuhin na lang namin ang mga labi niya. Tatanggapin na lang namin ang katotohanan na hindi na siya babalik pa,” expressed Reneboy.
By 1 p.m., the body of 35-year-old Elvera Saldua was recovered. The search is still ongoing for Rommel Gumatin, 45, who remains the only missing person. Gumatin, a father of seven, is among the confirmed casualties.
Monkayo Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office safety and security head Jonell Palanas said that the inclement weather conditions in Brgy. Mt. Diwata, due to the shear line, continues to hamper the rescue operations.
“Weather condition is very challenging ‘no kasi pinapahirapan talaga ‘yung retrieving team natin. Pero we will do everything that we could. Ang ulan kasi is pabugso-bugso,” Palanas said.
The story of Reboldad’s bravery stands as proof of the resilience and selflessness of individuals in the face of natural disasters.
In a previous report, a woman tightly holds daughter’s stuffed toy after she dies of landslide
The social media users expressed their reactions to the post:
