At least 20 houses were flooded in Barangay Biak na Bato, La Castellana, Negros Occidental after raging waters spilled from Tamburong Creek. 

Heavy rains poured evening on August 25, 2025 that sent the creek swelling. 

According to Alan Tomaquin, barangay councilman, the creek swelled immediately, as it is full of lahar that solidified.

“Nag-stock dito sa Tamburong Creek. Lumawak na ang aming sapa, naging mababaw na. At may lebel nga na mas mataas pa sa mga bahay,” Tomaquin said.

Should the rain persists, more houses are seen to be affected by the flooding, he added.

“Almost one-half sa households maubos talaga. Malaki ang posibilidad kasi ngayon ang dito sa kabilang side, kung nakatingin ka sa taas ng bulkan, left side ng sapa ang dinadaanan ng tubig,” Tomaquin also said.

The Local Government Unit (LGU) of La Castellana has already submitted to the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental its planned clearing operation of lahar that solidified at waterways affecting the barangay. However, the LGU has not received the permit yet.

“Ang barangay nag-initiate for permit for debris removal and then ang LGU nag-apply rin ng special permit para sa removal. Kaso ang approval recommending body coming from the PAMB [Protected Area Management Board] and then ang umbrella niya is from DENR [Department of Environment and Natural Resources],” said John de Asis, head of the La Castellana Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

As of this writing, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), recommended a temporary solution to the concern.

“Allowed naman na hukayin at itabi. Ang removal lang naman palabas, ngunit ang paglalagay sa tabi hindi naman kailangan ng clearance ng DENR. Ang advice doon is itabi na siya, parang pagawan ng kanal sa gitna ng river,” according to Engr. Joan Nathaniel Gerangaya, PENRO head.

PENRO is set to send heavy equipment for the clearing operation.