SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Two people were confirmed dead and two others injured after a landslide struck the Tipo High-Tech Park inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone on Saturday, August 29, amid continuous heavy rains.
The incident occurred along Tipo Road near the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), where persistent rainfall triggered soil erosion that caused the slope to collapse.
Personnel from the LED Special Operations Branch were deployed to James L. Gordon Hospital and Baypoint Hospital to assist in search, rescue and emergency response operations.
Four victims were transported to the hospitals. Two were declared dead upon arrival, while the two other rescued individuals are receiving medical treatment and are reportedly recovering.
The fatalities were identified as:
- Peng Jiahan — a Chinese national and sales and marketing supervisor of Fubong Environmental Technology.
- Ernesto Ramos — a Filipino national and dump truck driver who was initially reported missing and was later found dead following the search and rescue operation.
The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) said its security team, with the assistance of volunteers and other concerned personnel, conducted continuing search and rescue operations following the landslide.
Meanwhile, in nearby Olongapo City, a 60-year-old man was found dead inside his vehicle after becoming trapped in chest-deep floodwaters at the corner of Sta. Rita Road in Barangay Mabayuan at around 2 p.m. Saturday.
Initial information indicated that the man may have suffered a heart attack while trapped in the floodwaters, although authorities have yet to officially determine the cause of death.
The incidents occurred as heavy rains caused flooding, soil erosion and difficult road conditions in several areas of Olongapo and the Subic Bay Freeport.
The landslide in Tipo also affected traffic flow in the area. Motorists were advised to take alternative routes while clearing and emergency response operations continued.
The SBMA said it is conducting a thorough investigation into the landslide and coordinating with concerned agencies as part of its continuing emergency response.
Authorities urged residents and motorists to exercise extreme caution, particularly in areas affected by flooding, soil erosion and unstable slopes, as heavy rains continue.
Further updates will be provided as authorities complete recovery and investigation operations.