Residents in Purok Indilicio, Barangay Guadalupe in Bogo City expressed fears Monday regarding an expanding ground opening as environmental authorities conduct a geological assessment to determine if the site is a sinkhole.

The Environmental Management Bureau in Central Visayas conducted a study to assess the cause, depth, underground extent and surrounding ground conditions, though official findings have not yet been released.

Initial observations yielded no firm conclusion on whether the formation is a sinkhole.

The local government of Bogo estimated the opening at roughly 15 meters in width. Local barangay and city officials cordoned off the site and maintain active monitoring.

Authorities urged the public to stay at least 20 meters away from the area, refrain from conducting activities near the opening, and keep caution tape and safety barriers intact. Officials also strictly banned the dumping of garbage, soil, rocks or other debris into the pit.

Three households are located near the opening, one of which is currently occupied. The city government encouraged the occupied household to execute a preemptive evacuation for safety.

According to geological information, sinkholes commonly occur in terrain composed of limestone or carbonate rock, where groundwater gradually dissolves subterranean rock layers to form underground cavities.

A reduction in underground support can ultimately trigger ground collapse or subsidence.