A viral video showing residents of Barangay Kulimpang in Buldon, Maguindanao del Norte crossing a river through an improvised zipline has prompted swift action from local authorities.
The footage, which spread widely on social media, showed children and adults risking their lives as they clung to a makeshift pulley system to get across the Lumabek River. The scene alarmed viewers nationwide, with many raising concerns over the dangers of such crossings.
Following the uproar, the local government of Buldon immediately ordered barangay officials to halt the use of the zipline. In its place, a temporary hanging footbridge made of rope and wood has been set up to give residents a safer way to travel between communities.
Officials clarified that the viral video did not trigger the bridge project but accelerated safety measures. Even before the footage surfaced, plans for a long-term solution were already underway. The Ministry of Public Works (MPW) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is currently constructing a permanent bridge to connect Barangay Kulimpang and neighboring Barangay Pantawan.
For locals, the new makeshift bridge represents more than just a practical fix. Community members described it as a symbol of hope, a sign that government agencies are taking steps to address long-standing infrastructure needs in the area.
While the temporary bridge provides immediate relief, residents remain eager for the completion of the permanent structure, which promises a safer, more durable connection for generations to come.
