Residents and motorists have raised concerns after the slope protection along a portion of the national highway in Barangay Layog, Pagalungan, Maguindanao del Sur has been eroded by floodwaters following heavy rains in the previous days.

“Parte yun ng river system natin. Ang tubig na dumadaan doon is galing ng Bukidnon. Pag malakas ang agos ng tubig, nae-erode yung ating part ng kalsada. Sa katagalan na rin sa river protection na nandoon, unti-unting nae-erode na,” Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) OIC Assistant Head, Ameer Jehad Ambolodto, said.

The incident has raised concerns that the damage will worsen and possibly split the highway, which is a main thoroughfare for motorists traveling from North Cotabato to Maguindanao del Sur and Cotabato City.

Currently, only one lane of the road affected is passable. However, an alternate route has been opened behind the town’s public market.

The local government also plans to relocate several families whose homes are at risk in the area affected. These families earn a living by collecting and selling driftwood from the river.

The local government has also coordinated with the national government for the rehabilitation efforts.

“Sa tingin ko, the national government should intervene kasi malaki-laking problema ito. Siguro, idi-discuss natin ito sa provincial governor para matingnan kung ano ang mabilis na action,” Ambolodto added.