Landslide cuts off Bukidnon–Davao road. Two feared buried in tricycle cab

A major landslide struck the Bukidnon–Davao City Road on 18 October 2025, collapsing a section of the highway near Overview Park in Barangay Palacapao, Quezon, Bukidnon, and forcing authorities to close the entire route to traffic. The incident cut off one of Mindanao’s most vital transportation corridors linking Northern Mindanao and Davao Region.

Rescue teams discovered a tricycle cab, locally known as a “bao-bao,” buried under the collapsed earth, prompting a search and retrieval operation for two individuals feared trapped inside. Local officials confirmed that responders from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the Philippine Army, and the Philippine National Police were mobilized to the site to assist in recovery and ensure slope safety.

The Department of Public Works and Highways – Northern Mindanao (DPWH-10) said engineers are conducting a full structural assessment of the damaged segment. To protect motorists, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon ordered the immediate closure of the entire road section while investigation and stabilization work continue.

Traffic advisory teams have installed barriers and signage at approach points, and motorists are urged to use alternate routes. The DPWH announced the following detours:

• Cagayan de Oro City → Tagum City: via Junction Sayre Highway (Poblacion, Valencia City, Bukidnon) through the Kapalong–Talaingod–Valencia Road.
• Camp 1, Maramag → Davao City: via Junction Bukidnon–Davao City Road to the Cotabato Boundary, then through Carmen – Kabacan – Matalam – Kidapawan – Cotabato – Digos City – Davao route.

The DPWH emphasized that restoration efforts are underway but public safety remains the top priority while slope rehabilitation and drainage inspections are being carried out.