2 feared buried as landslide forces Bukidnon-Davao Road closure

MISAMIS ORIENTAL — A section of the Bukidnon–Davao City Road collapsed on 18 October following a landslide in the Overview, Palacapao area, prompting authorities to close the entire highway to all traffic.

Search and retrieval operations were immediately launched after a tricycle cab, known locally as a “bao-bao,” was found buried under the collapsed earth.

Local government officials said rescue teams, including members of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the military and police, are searching for a couple believed to have been inside the vehicle when the landslide occurred.

The Department of Public Works and Highways-Northern Mindanao (DPWH-10) reported that engineers are currently assessing the extent of the damage, but officials have declared all lanes impassable to ensure public safety.

Meantime, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon ordered the immediate closure of the road while an assessment team investigates the incident and prepares recommendations.

Traffic signs and barriers have been installed to guide motorists, who are urged to remain compliant and use the following alternate routes — for travel from Cagayan de Oro City to Tagum City, use the Junction Sayre Highway, Poblacion, Valencia City, Bukidnon, via the Kapalong-Talaingod-Valencia Road.

For travel from Camp 1, Maramag, Bukidnon, to Davao City, use the Junction Bukidnon-Davao City Road to the Cotabato Boundary, then proceed via the Carmen-Kabacan-Matalam-Kidapawan, Cotabato-Digos City, Davao route.