'They died in an embrace': A mother mourns two sons lost to a landslide during #EntengPH

Summary

On September 2, Marik Carly Bantino's life took a tragic turn when a landslide, triggered by Tropical Storm Enang and the Southwest Monsoon, crushed her rental home in Antipolo, burying her two children, 15-year-old Lee and 12-year-old Junior, and a pregnant neighbor under mud. Despite a previous evacuation notice, the community was unprepared for such a disaster. Marik, who earns a modest income washing clothes and cleaning houses, now grapples with the loss of her children and the financial burden of their burial, highlighting the plight of those most vulnerable during natural calamities.

Takeaways

• 🏠 On September 2, Marik Carly Bantino's rental home was destroyed by a landslide, burying her two children and a pregnant neighbor.
• ☕ Marik, a house cleaner and laundry worker, had left for work early in the morning, unaware of the impending disaster.
• 👨‍👦‍👦 Her children, 15-year-old Lee and 12-year-old Junior, were still at home and asleep when the landslide occurred.
• 🚫 City officials had previously declared the area a danger zone and issued a notice to vacate five years prior to the tragedy.
• 🌧️ Tropical Storm Enang and the Southwest Monsoon were responsible for the heavy rain that triggered the landslide in Antipolo, Luzon.
• 🏔️ The landslide was an unprecedented event for the locals, who had never witnessed such a disaster in their community.
• 🤲 Neighbors, including Noel Estrabo, attempted to rescue the victims by digging them out with their bare hands.
• 🕊️ Marik's children were described as caring, affectionate, and mindful of their mother's struggles, with Lee aspiring to be a police officer.
• 💼 Marik earns a modest income of 400 to 500 pesos a day, which is barely sufficient for her family's needs.
• 💔 Marik is now faced with the heart-wrenching task of burying her two children and the financial burden of doing so.

Q & A

What was the date of the tragic landslide mentioned in the script?

The tragic landslide occurred on September 2.

Who were the victims of the landslide at Marik Carly Bantino's rental home?

The victims were Marik Carly Bantino's children, 15-year-old Lee and 12-year-old Junior, and their pregnant neighbor.

What was Marik Carly Bantino's occupation?

Marik Carly Bantino worked as a house cleaner and laundry washer for clients in a nearby village.

What was the weather condition that contributed to the landslide?

Tropical Storm Enang and the Southwest Monsoon brought heavy rain over Luzon, which contributed to the landslide.

How many people were confirmed dead in Antipolo due to the landslide?

Seven people were confirmed dead in Antipolo due to the landslide.

What action did the neighbors take after the landslide?

Neighbors like Noel Estrabo used their bare hands to try to dig out Lee, Junior, and their pregnant neighbor from under the mud.

Why did Marik Carly Bantino's neighbor Noel Estrabo move downhill a year ago?

Noel Estrabo moved downhill a year ago because he and other neighbors felt the area was a danger zone, as city officials had issued a notice to vacate the area five years prior.

What was the emotional impact of the landslide on Marik Carly Bantino?

The landslide caused Marik Carly Bantino immense grief as she lost her two young children who were caring, affectionate, and mindful of her struggles.

What were the aspirations of Marik Carly Bantino's children?

Junior wanted to be a cop, while Lee did not have a specific career in mind but worked hard to help his mother make ends meet.

How many children does Marik Carly Bantino have in total?

Marik Carly Bantino has five older children in addition to the two children who were killed in the landslide.

What financial challenges does Marik Carly Bantino face after the tragedy?

Marik Carly Bantino earns between 400 to 500 pesos a day and is worried about finding the money to bury her two children, as money is tight and almost never enough.