Dennis Gaviola

Article (news)

Dennis Datu

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — More than 112 families living along the riverbanks in Barangay Mapagong, Calamba City, Laguna, have been forcibly evacuated by barangay officials amid renewed threats of flash floods and landslides.“Nag-force evacuation na po kami kasi, katulad ngayon, makulimlim na naman po. Hindi natin alam kung gaano na naman kaakas yung pwersa ng tubig sa area po na nagkaroon ng landslide,” said Barangay Mapagong Chairperson Jona Baylon.Last Sunday at noon, raging floodwaters surged through the river, sweeping away several riverside homes. Two young siblings were among those carried away by the flood and remain missing.The torrential rain, which lasted only 30 minutes, also triggered landslides that damaged houses built along the riverbank.Motorcycle taxi driver Alberto Lumbria said he was working when he received a frantic call from his terrified wife, urging him to rush home as the river was rapidly swelling.Before they could finish their conversation, the call was suddenly disconnected.“Habang nag-uusap kami, bigla na lang nawala ang telepono. Namatay po bigla, tapos tinatawagan ko po, wala na po ako matawagan,” Lumbria said.By then, the flood had already swept away their home with his wife and their three children inside.Neighbors managed to rescue his wife, Regen, and their one-year-old son.However, his two other children—11-year-old Algen and 7-year-old Prince Gab—have yet to be found.“Umaasa ako buhay sila, siyempre po. Ang hirap po na wala ka sa pamilya mo, naghahanapbuhay ka. Siguro po kung andoon ako, baka sakaling maisave ko pa sila. Hindi na po ako umabot eh. Kahit ano gawin ko, hindi ko sila makita,” Lumbria said through tears.Rescue teams from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the Calamba City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) continue searching rivers across several barangays but have so far failed to locate the missing children.Lumbria’s wife and their youngest son are recovering in a hospital.Residents who lost their homes are now worried about where they will stay.Many have also vowed never to return to their former homes for fear that another flash flood or landslide could strike.“Hindi na, takot na ako. Kailangang lumipat sa ibang lugar,” said Minda Surima, who has lived in the area for 32 years.“Kung ako po ang tatanungin ay 100 percento, hindi na ako babalik. Kaya lang ang iniisip ko po ay kung saan kami lilipat. Hindi ko naman puwedeng isapalaran ko pa diyan ang mag-ina ko,” said Jun Barcebal, who also lost his home.Calamba City Mayor Ross Rizal assured residents that the city government is already identifying relocation sites for families living along the riverbanks.The displaced families are temporarily taking shelter in a local school.“Ngayon po, ang pangangailangan talaga ng aking kabarangay ay pinansyal kasi po hindi na rin talaga matutuluyan o matitirahan yung area sa Mapagong riverside po,” Chairperson Baylon said.Relief assistance continues to arrive for families affected by the flash flood and landslide from the Calamba City Government, Laguna Governor Sol Aragones, and various organizations.

More than 112 families living along the riverbanks in Barangay Mapagong, Calamba City, Laguna have been forcibly evacuated by barangay officials amid renewed threats of flash floods and landslides.

More than 112 families living along the riverbanks in Barangay Mapagong, Calamba City, Laguna have been forcibly evacuated by barangay officials amid renewed threats of flash floods and landslides.

Flash flood, landslide force over 100 families to evacuate in Calamba City; 2 kids still missing

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Flash flood, landslide force over 100 families to evacuate in Calamba City; 2 kids still missing

Dennis Datu,

ABS-CBN News

Published July 20, 2026 11:44 PM PHT

Read More:

Calamba City

landslide

flash flood

evacuation

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