MMDA joins search for 4 dump workers

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has deployed its rescue teams and equipment to help in the search for a backhoe operator and three of his men who were buried in a mountain of garbage in a dump in Rodriguez, Rizal last Friday.

“The rescue effort is continuing but so far no bodies have been recovered,” MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said yesterday.

The four dump workers – Gary Balahibo, Pablito Esto, Eddie Malano, and Rovidico Olod – were conducting maintenance work in the dump when a pile of garbage, estimated to weigh 100 tons, collapsed and buried them.

Tolentino said floodlights were installed in the area so the search could continue even at night.