BY: VANESSA BUGTONG

Motorists and residents risked their lives traversing Kennon Road in Tuba, Benguet on the night of July 6 as landslides and falling rocks continued due to intermittent rainfall.

Videos taken by concerned citizens showed people dodging falling debris at Sitio Camp 6 in Barangay Camp 4.

Authorities remained on standby for possible clearing operations.

“That area always has rocks falling,” said resident Myrna Marcello, who lives right beside the mountain. “We get anxious every time it rains.”

Although a barrier was built in front of their house, Marcello expressed concern over its ability to withstand larger falling rocks.

To ensure their safety, her family temporarily relocated.

“At least now, we don’t have to worry, especially since we have a baby with us,” she shared.

Despite the recent completion of a protective rock shed in the area, landslides continue to be reported.

Barangay Captain Johnny Dogao confirmed a recent landslide near the rockshed and reminded motorists to remain vigilant.

Meanwhile, in Banaue, Ifugao, a 63-year-old woman died after being buried in a landslide while visiting her farm during heavy rainfall.

The victim, identified as Agnes Dominong of Barangay Bocos, was reported missing on June 27.

The following day, authorities found her body around 10:50 AM, after discovering one of her boots at the landslide site.

Several roads across the Cordillera region and Nueva Vizcaya were also affected:

The Nueva Vizcaya-Benguet Road in Sitio Pucgong, Barangay Pangawan, Kayapa, was temporarily closed on July 6 after landslides and fallen trees blocked the road. Clearing operations made one lane passable by nightfall.

In Benguet, the Debang Pacso section of Kabayan Barrio-Timbac Tourism Road became one-lane passable due to a weekend rockfall.

In Kalinga, the Mt. Province boundary–Calanan–Pinukpuk–Abbut Road in Tinglayan also experienced landslides and was cleared to allow one-lane traffic.

Meanwhile, in Baguio City, flooding on the Baguio-Bauang Road has prompted an investigation by the local government.

Councilor Edison Bilog said they are waiting for a DPWH report, but the city will begin canal declogging regardless.

“We’re waiting on DPWH’s report, but with or without it, we’ll start clearing our canals,” said Bilog. “We also want to know if DPWH has funding allocated for these improvements.”

An assessment will also be conducted on other waterways in the city to identify areas that need immediate attention.