Provincial Government Deploys Heavy Equipment to Clear Landslide-Hit Buug–Bayog Road; Affected Section Remains Impassable

Daphne Santuyo

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay — Upon the instruction of Governor Ann K. Hofer, the Provincial Government of Zamboanga Sibugay immediately mobilized heavy equipment and emergency resources to assist in clearing a major landslide that completely blocked a portion of the Buug–Bayog Road in Barangay Talairan, Buug.

The provincial response was initiated after the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LDRRMO) of Buug sought urgent assistance in the early hours of the day, reporting that a massive landslide had buried the roadway with soil, rocks, and debris, cutting off access between the municipalities of Buug and Bayog.

The Provincial Government deployed its available assets to augment the clearing operations and help restore the vital transportation link affected by the landslide.

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Initial coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) First Engineering District showed that no heavy equipment was immediately available for deployment. Meanwhile, the Municipality of Buug was also unable to utilize its own equipment after several units reportedly became inoperable.

The emergency deployment was coordinated through Provincial Administrator Atty. Christian Jay Millena, Provincial Engineer Engr. Christopher Lazo, Engr. Arnel Barrientos, who oversees the province’s mobile resources, and Provincial Administrator’s Office staff member Ann Capala.

A backhoe loader and a dump truck were dispatched to Barangay Talairan to support the road-clearing operations. The Provincial Government also extended fuel assistance after the Municipality of Buug reportedly exhausted its diesel supply needed to sustain emergency response activities.

The Provincial Government said the immediate mobilization of equipment, fuel, and personnel reflects its commitment to providing timely support to municipalities affected by disasters, particularly amid the continuing impact of Supertyphoon Inday.

Authorities continue to urge motorists to exercise caution when traveling through landslide-prone and mountainous areas and to monitor official advisories until the affected section of the Buug–Bayog Road is cleared and declared safe for passage.