KABUGAO, Apayao — A landslide was reported at an upland camp upstream of Purag Creek in Barangay Badduat, Kabugao, according to Badduat barangay captain Benji Amid.
Several individuals are believed to be trapped following the collapse of part of a slope. Their condition remains unconfirmed as limited road access is slowing the arrival of responders. Personnel from the 98th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army (IBPA) have been mobilized to the site.
The Kabugao Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office Search, Rescue, and Retrieval Team has also been deployed. This team includes the Bureau of Fire Protection, Kabugao Municipal Police Station, and Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15. Their deployment depends on route conditions being declared safe.
Crews from the Department of Public Works and Highways are working to clear blocked road sections to allow access to the incident location.
The landslide follows continuous heavy rainfall brought by the northeast monsoon, enhanced by the shear line. The persistent rain has saturated slopes, increasing landslide risks across upper Apayao.
Many provincial roads remain closed due to soil erosion. As of 10 a.m. on 20 November, some roads are partially open, while others are still under clearing operations.