Negros remembers Typhoon Tino; 34 still missing

BACOLOD CITY – The Negros Occidental provincial government commemorated the first anniversary of Typhoon Tino, which left 106 people dead and 34 others missing across Negros Island, with a Holy Mass at the Social Hall of the Provincial Capitol Building here on Wednesday, Nov. 4.

Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson led the commemoration, offering prayers for the healing of survivors and the continued recovery of communities still coping with the aftermath of the tragedy.

Lacson said the Holy Mass provided an opportunity to remember the lives lost and reflect on the lessons learned from the devastating typhoon.

The Eucharistic celebration brought together provincial officials and employees in prayer and solidarity, honoring those who perished during the disaster and recognizing the resilience of affected communities.

In a media interview following the celebration, the governor expressed gratitude to individuals and groups who extended assistance and served communities during the typhoon.

He also offered prayers for the survivors and those whose bodies have yet to be recovered.

Lacson emphasized the importance of prayer during calamities, saying people’s safety and protection remain paramount during such difficult circumstances.

He recalled that although the province had experienced heavy rains in previous years, the scale of destruction brought by Typhoon Tino was unprecedented in the affected areas.

“We should learn from this tragic incident,” he said.

The governor added that one of the key lessons from the disaster was the need for a more proactive approach to disaster preparedness, particularly through early evacuations whenever warnings of heavy rainfall and potential flooding are issued.

Typhoon Tino struck Negros Island on Nov. 4, 2025, triggering widespread flooding and landslides that destroyed homes, damaged infrastructure and displaced thousands of families.

Meanwhile, consolidated data from the Office of Civil Defense-Negros Island Region (OCD-NIR) showed that 106 residents were confirmed dead, while 34 remained missing across the region as of the first anniversary.

OCD-NIR information officer Mylene Gonzaga said fatalities included eight in Bago City; five each in Isabela and San Carlos City; 18 each in Moises Padilla and La Castellana; 12 in Hinigaran; seven in La Carlota City; six in Binalbagan; and one each in Himamaylan City and Kabankalan City, all in Negros Occidental.

The highest death toll was recorded in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, with 22 fatalities, while Vallehermoso, Bais City and La Libertad recorded one death each.

The 34 missing individuals included three each in Bago City and La Carlota City; two each in San Carlos City and Isabela; nine in Moises Padilla; and 13 in La Castellana, all in Negros Occidental, as well as two in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental.

Gonzaga said search and retrieval operations had already concluded and would resume only if new reports indicated the possible discovery of human remains in the affected areas.

Agricultural damage caused by the typhoon was reported at PHP 42.8 million, while infrastructure damage was still undergoing validation.

In La Castellana, the Regional Incident Management Team (RIMT) inspected a proposed relocation site in Barangay Biak na Bato for families displaced by Typhoon Tino.

The site is being considered for 132 affected families as part of efforts to provide safer and more suitable relocation options.

The continuing relocation efforts underscore the long-term recovery challenges facing communities one year after the typhoon, particularly families whose homes were destroyed or remain in areas vulnerable to flooding and other hazards.