Manila: Sixteen national road sections in six regions remain closed following the impacts of Typhoon Opong (international name Bualoi) and previous weather disturbances, as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) continues its efforts to address the situation. Quick Response Teams have been mobilized in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Bicol, Western Visayas, and Eastern Visayas to conduct clearing and restoration operations on the affected roads.
According to Philippines News Agency, the current closures include sections of the Apayao-Ilocos Norte Road due to flooding, Baguio-Itogon Road and Abatan-Mankayan-Cervantes Road in Benguet due to soil collapses, and the Manila North Road in Ilocos Sur due to a scoured bridge approach. Additionally, roads in Cagayan and Isabela are impacted by scoured approaches and flooding, while roads in Masbate suffer from fallen trees and electric posts.
Several other roads, including the Iloilo-Antique Road and various sections in Biliran, are affected by scoured bridge abutments and soil collapse. In Leyte, the Jaro-Dagami-Burauen-Lapaz Road is closed due to a damaged bridge abutment. Meanwhile, ten additional road sections in CAR, Ilocos, Calabarzon, and Bicol are reported to have limited access, allowing passage only to light or heavy vehicles due to road cuts, flooding, and other obstructions.
The DPWH has assured the public that Regional and District Engineering Offices are actively conducting clearing operations, placing warning signs, and performing continuous monitoring to ensure safety and restore normal traffic flow as swiftly as possible.
