One month after Typhoon Tino struck Cebu City, the search continues for six individuals who remain missing. The typhoon, which hit on November 4, 2025, left a trail of destruction, and the families of the missing are still waiting for answers.
Unwavering Search Efforts Amid Challenges
Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak, chairman of the Committee on Disaster, has assured the public that the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) will not stop its search and retrieval operation. The missing individuals are from various barangays located along riverbanks in the northern part of the city.
Tumulak emphasized that operations will only cease if all missing persons are found or if the families themselves request a stop. The emotional and psychological toll on the families is immeasurable, and halting recovery efforts abruptly would be devastating.
Expansive and Difficult Terrain Covered
The search teams have faced significant physical challenges. Their operations have extended from Paril, a mountainous area of Cebu City, all the way to Compostela City. The difficult terrain is compounded by thick layers of garbage and debris, which rescuers must painstakingly clear in case victims are buried underneath.
This grueling work underscores the commitment of local authorities to bring closure to the affected families, who are left in a state of anguish not knowing the fate of their loved ones or being unable to provide a proper burial.
Citywide Profiling to Prevent Future Confusion
A critical concern has emerged from the tragedy: the proper identification of recovered remains. An incident on November 26 highlighted this issue when two families in Compostela claimed the same body, with resolution only coming from a recognizable ring the victim was wearing.
To prevent such confusion and potential conflict in the future, a citywide profiling operation is scheduled for December 17. Led by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Cebu City, the operation will involve the Philippine National Police (PNP), City Health Department, and DRRMO.
The goal is to collect detailed and updated information from the families of the six missing persons. These profiles will serve as a crucial database to quickly validate the identities of any bodies recovered, ensuring they are returned to their rightful families.
