By Henry Empeño / September 1, 2026

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Subic stakeholders and civic groups have appealed for an independent investigation into the August 29 landslide at an industrial park in the Subic Bay Freeport, saying the fatal accident raises serious safety and environmental questions about development projects here.

In a petition sent to the Office of the President, the Senate, and the House of Representatives on Tuesday, September 1, the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber for Health and Environment Conservation (SBFCHEC) asked the authorities to look into the circumstances surrounding the landslide and its root causes.

Two workers died while two others were injured at the Tipo High-Tech Eco Park (THEP) in Subic on August 29 when a retaining wall by the roadside collapsed following heavy rains.

The fatalities, identified as Ernesto Ramos, a Filipino truck driver, and Peng Jiahan, a Chinese supervisor in a recycling firm at the THEP, were reportedly in a vehicle caught in the landslide.

The SBFCHEC said the fatal accident should not be treated as an isolated case, but should provoke a broader review of development, engineering, environmental, land-use, and safety practices in the Subic Bay Freeport and surrounding communities.

“We make this appeal not merely because of one tragic incident, but because it raises questions about whether development within and immediately adjacent to the Freeport is being undertaken in a manner consistent with public safety, environmental protection, sound urban planning, and the long-term interests of the communities of Subic Bay,” SBFCHEC said in the petition.

The group said the investigation should not only determine why the retaining wall failed, but also examine the entire chain of responsibility, including those involved in the development, permitting, and approval of the project.

At the same time, the group called for a comprehensive review of major developments in Subic that are located in or near environmentally sensitive areas, including the proposed Subic-Clark Railway Project that it said may affect six hectares of mangrove areas in Subic.

It said the government review should determine whether the projects comply with applicable laws in terms of their location, structural design, environmental impact, land-use classification and permitting requirements.

“The circumstances surrounding the THEP (project) warrant an objective review, not only of the development itself, but also of other major projects with similar characteristics. THEP is only the starting point because it is the subject of the present incident,” the SBFCHEC said.

Meanwhile, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) through a statement from Corporate Affairs Manager Armie Llamas said that it supports the call for an independent and comprehensive investigation into the Tipo landslide.

“The SBMA shares the commitment to ensuring that development within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone is conducted with utmost regard for public safety, environmental protection, and sustainable progress. WE also agree that responsible development is not only possible but essential, and that strict adherence to regulations, thorough engineering and environmental assessment, diligent inspections, and transparent permitting processes must be non-negotiable foundations in all projects,” the SBMA said.

On the other hand, Xantheng (Subic) International Corp., the management arm of THEP, said in an August 31 statement that it is cooperating in the investigation of the Tipo landslide and has coordinated with relevant agencies for verification, site assessment, and implementation of appropriate measures following the incident. ▲

COVER PHOTO:  A drone photo shows the Tipo High-Tech Eco Park in a forested location at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (Photo by Tyrone Elizalde)