Landslide traps several in Apayao upland camp

KABUGAO, Apayao — A landslide has been reported at an upland camp upstream of Purag Creek in Barangay Badduat, Kabugao, according to initial information from Badduat Barangay Captain Benji Amid.

Several individuals are believed to be trapped following the collapse of a portion of the slope. Their condition remains unconfirmed as limited road access is preventing responders from reaching the area.

Personnel from the 98th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army (IBPA), have been mobilized toward the site. The Kabugao Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) Search, Rescue, and Retrieval Team — including the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Kabugao Municipal Police Station (KMPS), and Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15 (RMFB15) — is also deployed, pending assurance that the route is safe for movement.

Crews from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) are working to clear blocked road sections to open access to the incident location.

The incident follows continuous heavy rainfall linked to the Northeast Monsoon, enhanced by the shear line. The sustained downpour has saturated slopes, elevating landslide risks throughout upper Apayao province.

Many roads have been closed due to soil erosion. As of 10:00 a.m. on November 20, some routes remain passable only to one lane while others are still under clearing operations.