Glan, Sarangani almost isolated after Mindanao earthquake

The town of Glan, Sarangani has been left virtually cut off and difficult to reach following Monday’s magnitude 7.8 earthquake, with residents struggling to access basic necessities such as food, water, electricity, and telecommunications.

In a report by Maki Pulido on “24 Oras” on Tuesday, travel to Glan required three vehicle transfers due to severely damaged roads and bridges, with stranded travelers resorting to motorcycle rides costing P100 to cross affected stretches.

A section of a bridge reportedly collapsed during the quake after its supporting beams gave way.

At the town boundary, a vehicle was seen crushed by large falling rocks during the earthquake, though its driver reportedly survived without injuries.

Beyond the boundary arch, massive boulders from a mountainside collapse have blocked the road, cutting off access even for motorcycles. Officials said clearing the landslide would not immediately restore passage, as the road itself sustained severe fractures.

Glan Mayor Victor James Yap Sr. said initial reports indicated at least 20 deaths in the municipality due to the earthquake, including the spouse and two children—an 8-month-old and a 3-year-old—of resident Roldan Dante.

Their remains are still inside their home, awaiting the arrival of caskets.

Roldan was working in the fields when the earthquake struck and his family was trapped after a wall collapsed.

“My family was the first thing on my mind. I couldn’t go straight home because the road was blocked, so I ran all the way here, even jumping over obstacles. I just can’t accept it,” he said in Filipino.

Several infrastructures and homes were damaged, but the local government has yet to release a full assessment.

Among those who lost their homes is the family of Monalisa Pontadas.

“I hope they can help us find a new home. We don’t know who could help us, we hope it’s the government. We don’t have money for food and our daily needs. We really don’t have anything with us,” she said.

Residents continue to urgently need basic supplies, including water, food, electricity, and mobile signal.

“I didn’t evacuate them because the evacuation centers were damaged in 2023. I sought funding, but nothing was given to me. So I don’t have anywhere to place the evacuees,” Yap said.

Glan had still not fully recovered from the 2023 earthquake when it was struck again by an even more powerful tremor.

The old municipal hall has tilted, several buildings in the town center have collapsed, and a section of the public market is now leaning dangerously and on the verge of collapse.

At the Notre Dame of Glan, part of a building also collapsed. No injuries were reported as students were attending a flag ceremony when the quake hit.

As residents appealed for aid, queues formed—not for relief goods, but to register damaged homes with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Yap also said the local government plans to declare a state of calamity to access the town’s calamity fund.—Vince Angelo Ferreras/MCG, GMA News