Groups demand independent probe into fatal Subic landslide

SAN ANTONIO, Zambales — An environmental coalition is calling for an independent investigation into the landslide at the Tipo High-Tech Eco Park in the Subic Bay Freeport that killed two workers and injured two others, while urging the government to review how development projects in the area are planned, approved and monitored.

In a statement on Monday (Aug. 31), the Save Subic Bay Coalition, composed of residents, Ayta communities, business groups and civil society organizations, said that the tragedy should prompt authorities to look beyond the immediate cause of the incident and examine whether existing safeguards are sufficient to prevent similar disasters.

READ: 2 dead, 2 injured in Subic Freeport landslide

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The coalition said it was not seeking to prejudge those involved, stressing that a proper and independent investigation should first establish what caused the landslide and determine accountability.

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The incident occurred on Saturday (Aug. 29) at the development along Tipo Road, where two workers including Chinese national Peng Jiahan, 26, sales and marketing supervisor of Fubong Environmental Technology, and Ernesto Ramos, a Filipino national and dump truck driver were killed and two others were killed. 

The coalition said development in and around the freeport should be supported by proper engineering and environmental studies, qualified technical assessments, meaningful inspections and transparent permitting processes.

It also called on authorities to strengthen regulations if existing safeguards are inadequate for the scale or nature of development taking place in the area.

“That is not anti-development; it is responsible development,” the coalition said.

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The group said its concern was not limited to the Tipo incident

It said development decisions within the freeport could have consequences beyond its boundaries, particularly when changes to the landscape affect drainage, slopes, watersheds and natural protection against flooding and extreme weather.

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The coalition urged the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and other government agencies to ensure that development remains orderly, existing plans and regulations are respected, and environmental and safety considerations are not merely treated as compliance requirements.

“Where stronger safeguards are needed, they should be put in place. Where processes need improvement, they should be improved. And where the rules are being ignored, they should be enforced fairly, regardless of who is involved,” the coalition said.

The group said it wanted Subic to continue attracting responsible investors, jobs, infrastructure and opportunities for communities around the Freeport.

But it cautioned that development should not come at the expense of public safety or expose communities to risks that could have been avoided through better planning and stronger oversight.

Railway, mangrove concerns

The coalition also raised concerns over the proposed Subic-Clark Railway Project and its potential impact on more than six hectares of mangroves.

It said technically feasible alternatives that could realign or redesign the project to avoid damaging the remaining mangroves should be seriously considered before irreversible decisions are made.

“Infrastructure and environmental protection should not automatically be treated as opposing goals when better planning may allow us to achieve both,” the coalition added. 

The group said the Tipo incident should serve as a lesson in prevention, arguing that government and communities should not have to wait for landslides, flooding, infrastructure failures or environmental damage before risks are addressed.

SBMA backs probe, review

In response to the coalition’s statement, SBMA said it shared the coalition’s concerns over public safety, environmental protection and sustainable development.

“SBMA is dedicated to reviewing existing policies and practices, in cooperation with relevant government agencies and stakeholders, to strengthen safeguards, enhance monitoring, and enforce standards fairly and effectively,” Armina Belleza Llamas, manager of the SBMA Corporate Affairs Department said. 

She said strict compliance with regulations, thorough engineering and environmental assessments, diligent inspections and transparent permitting processes should be “non-negotiable foundations” of development projects in the freeport. 

Llamas also affirmed the SBMA’s commitment to protecting the area’s forests, waterways, mangroves and coastal areas while pursuing economic growth.

“As stewards of Subic Bay’s future, we remain conscientiously aware of our responsibility to promote development that is safe, transparent, responsible, and sustainable,” she said.

Xantheng (Subic) International Corp. (XSIC), the management arm of Tipo High-Tech Eco Park, earlier said it would cooperate with the investigation, provide assistance to affected families and closely monitor the affected area. 

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The company attributed the incident to prolonged heavy rainfall in the freeport and surrounding areas. /jpv