SEARCH and retrieval operations are still ongoing at the landslide site in Sitio Kipolot, Barangay Palacapao, Quezon, Bukidnon, for a missing couple believed to have been buried in the debris.
The missing individuals were identified as Ely Ubatay and Thelma Ubatay, residents of Purok 9, Kahusayan, Kitaotao, Bukidnon, according to the report of RMN Malaybalay.
A “bao-bao” (three-wheeler), believed to be the vehicle used by the couple, was found submerged under the soil.
A joint team composed of personnel from the Quezon Municipal Police Station and MDRRMO, the Philippine Army, the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the Municipal Engineering Office (MEO), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and barangay tanods continues to comb through the dirt and debris.
Road closure and DPWH mobilization
The landslide has completely blocked the Bukidnon-Davao City (BuDa) Road in Palacapao, Quezon, rendering it impassable to all vehicles. The road in Kipolot remains shut down while the extent of the damage is assessed.
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon mobilized teams to the site and ordered the immediate temporary closure of the road, following the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure the mobility of motorists and the movement of essential goods between the two provinces.
Alternative diversion routes
Motorists traveling between Bukidnon and Davao City are advised to avoid the BuDa Road and take the following alternative routes. The DPWH emphasized that different routes must be utilized based on vehicle type:
For Heavy Vehicles (Trucks)
Maramag to Digos City: Take the route via Camp One- Damulog – Carmen- Kabacan-Matalam – Kidapawan -Bansalan – Digos City.
For Light Vehicles (Cars, Buses, etc.)
Valencia City to Tagum City/Panabo City: Take the route via San Fernando- Talaingod -Kapalong- Tagum City / Panabo City.
Cagayan de Oro City to Tagum City: Take Junction Sayre Highway in Poblacion Valencia City, Bukidnon via Kapalong – Talaingod – Valencia Road.
Camp 1 Maramag to Davao City: Take Junction Bukidnon-Davao City Road to Cotabato Boundary to Carmen to Kabacan to Matalam to Kidapawan, Cotabato, then Digos City, Davao.
The DPWH noted that the Butuan-Cagayan de Oro-Iligan Road (BCIR) remains the safest and most reliable alternate route for all types of vehicles traveling between those major points.
Mayor rues impact
In an interview with RMN Malaybalay on Sunday, Quezon Mayor Pablo Lorenzo expressed concern over the economic damage caused by the massive landslide that has severed the primary route connecting the region to Davao City.
The Mayor emphasized that the economic consequences are significant due to the halt in the flow of goods and people.”The economy is truly affected, especially the movement of people,” Mayor Lorenzo said.
“Although there are alternative, temporary ways to get through, the biggest impact is on the supply shipments heading to Davao and coming here. We need the DPWH to find a permanent way forward.”
Lorenzo stressed the urgent need to establish a sustainable route.”That is what I am waiting for. I want to ask if they can finish a diversion [road], but I primarily want to know if they can at least make the original route passable,” he stated.
The mayor noted the significant cost and effort already expended on the road, suggesting that the damage is extensive.
“A large portion of this road had already been excavated by the DPWH, but it appears to have been eroded by water underneath,” he said.
