By Katrina Gracia Consebido
The multi-agency search and retrieval team has reached the crash site of the Cessna 340 aircraft near the Mayon volcano’s crater, but it is facing harsh weather conditions as its mission begins.
In a series of photos and videos from responders shared by Calamig Mayor Caloy Baldo, responders are challenged by poor visibility and unstable terrain.
Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda said the retrieval operation requires the use of a number of techniques to get to the location.
“The crash site (unstable ground, soil/rocks erosion, elevation/ inclination) dictates that the retrieval operation should apply technical rope rescue such as different anchoring system, hoisting/lowering techniques, hauling, lifelines etc… But the hardest is the weather condition most of the time zero visibility,” Salceda said in a Facebook post.
He also apologized if they were forced to delay the retrieval operation due to inclement weather.
“Pasensya na po kung di nakuha kahapon m[a]y mga bagay bagay n[a] it’s beyond their control hopefully di na m[a]g zero visibility para makuha na ho sila at maibalik s[a] kanilang pamilya,” he said.
“We cannot question the dedication and determination of our responders sadyang highly technical rescue services lang ‘tong incident case na ‘to.salamat ho,” he added.
Task Force Sagip was established by the Joint Task Force Bicolandia following the crash of the aircraft on Feb. 18.
Meanwhile, Baldo said Friday afternoon that the Bureau of Fire Protection – Special Rescue Force has handed over to the Camalig Municipal Police Station and Scene of the Crime Operatives the recovered belongings of the passengers.
These include identification cards, cash, a wallet, mobile phones, and a laptop.
Retrieval of the bodies is ongoing. -ag
