Authorities continue the retrieval operation for a couple buried after a road collapsed in Barangay Palacapao, Quezon, Bukidnon.
Unfortunately, the victims, identified as Ely and Thelma Ubatay, residents of Purok 9, Kahusayan, Kitaotao, Bukidnon, were riding their bao-bao motorcycle when the ground suddenly gave way.
The collapse occurred in the Overview area of Sitio Kipolot, where days of continuous rainfall softened the soil and triggered the incident.
Rescue teams from the Municipal Police Station Office (MPSO), Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), Philippine Army, Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Municipal Engineering Office (MEO), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and barangay tanods are working tirelessly to locate and recover the victims.
Authorities have warned the public to stay away from the site as the ground remains unstable and unsafe even for pedestrians.
The DPWH Bukidnon 2nd District Engineering Office, led by Assistant District Engineer Manuel Varias and Construction Division Chief Engr. Rey Emeterio, has been dispatched to assess the situation and open alternative routes for stranded motorists.
Authorities advised heavy vehicle drivers to take the Maramag (via Camp One) – Damulog – Carmen – Kabacan – Matalam – Kidapawan – Bansalan – Digos City route to ease traffic congestion.
For light vehicles, drivers may pass through Valencia City – San Fernando – Talaingod – Kapalong – Tagum City or Panabo City.
The incident serves as a reminder of the risks posed by continuous rainfall and the need for vigilance in landslide-prone areas.
