ITOGON, Benguet — Residents and motorists in Itogon are being urged to exercise extreme caution on mountain roads as prolonged rains continue to increase the risk of landslides across the municipality.
The Itogon Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) is advising travelers to prefer daytime trips, when visibility is better and road conditions can be more easily monitored.
The warning comes as saturated slopes across Benguet remain vulnerable to soil movement, rockfall and other rain-induced hazards.
Itogon MDRRMO chief Engr. Cyril Batcagan said travelers should remain vigilant, particularly when passing through areas known to be susceptible to landslides. Local authorities have been closely monitoring vulnerable locations and road sections as rainfall continues.
Why daytime travel is being encouraged
The recommendation is not simply about convenience.
Mountain roads can become significantly more dangerous when heavy rain combines with poor visibility, falling rocks, mud and unstable slopes. Traveling during daylight gives motorists a better chance of seeing road obstructions, newly formed cracks, debris or other warning signs.
Authorities are therefore encouraging motorists to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of severe weather and, whenever travel is essential, to plan trips during daylight hours.
The Cordillera Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has similarly advised residents to reconsider nonessential travel during periods of extreme weather and to avoid staying near landslide-prone areas.
Prolonged rain has left Benguet slopes vulnerable
The warning comes amid an extended period of wet weather across Benguet.
The Philippine News Agency reported earlier this month that Baguio and Benguet recorded 2,868.7 millimeters of rainfall in August, more than three times the area’s normal August average of 925 millimeters, according to PAGASA.
The prolonged rainfall contributed to saturated mountain slopes and triggered numerous rain-induced incidents, including landslides, soil erosion and fallen trees in Baguio and surrounding areas.
For communities located along steep terrain, saturated soil can significantly increase the likelihood of slope failures.
Itogon has already seen landslide threats
The municipality has experienced repeated landslide concerns during periods of heavy rain.
In July, Itogon MDRRMO officials identified several areas requiring close monitoring, including portions of Virac, Acupan, Poblacion and Sitio Luneta in Loacan. Authorities also positioned heavy equipment in Acupan as part of preparations for possible landslide incidents.
The risks are especially serious for communities associated with small-scale mining, where workers may operate in mountainous terrain and near unstable slopes.
During previous periods of severe weather, the Itogon government has suspended underground small-scale mining and other hazardous activities as a precaution.
Baguio-Itogon road also faces safety restrictions
The Baguio-Itogon Road has previously been subjected to special traffic arrangements because of safety concerns.
In February 2026, the Department of Public Works and Highways Benguet 1st District Engineering Office implemented window hours for motorists passing through the Goldfield area of Barangay Poblacion.
The road was scheduled to close during specified periods, with authorities also stating that it would be automatically closed whenever rainfall occurred as a safety precaution.
The traffic arrangement was implemented in coordination with the Itogon MDRRMO and barangay disaster officials, with regular monitoring of the affected section.
That history underscores why motorists are being urged to pay close attention to road advisories rather than assuming that familiar routes remain safe during prolonged rainfall.
Benguet placed under state of calamity
The latest travel warning comes against the backdrop of worsening weather impacts across Benguet.
The province was placed under a state of calamity following prolonged severe weather that affected communities and infrastructure.
Philstar reported that landslides had affected properties and families in communities around Itogon. As a precaution, Alphaland Baguio Mountain Lodges temporarily closed its property to homeowners and visitors while debris was cleared and roads, slopes and structures were assessed by engineering specialists.
The situation also prompted continuing relief operations.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Cordillera said it was providing augmentation support to LGUs, including Itogon, for families and individuals affected by the continuing rains.
What motorists should do
Authorities are urging travelers to take the warnings seriously.
Motorists heading through Itogon and other mountainous areas should:
- Travel during daylight whenever possible.
- Check weather and road advisories before leaving.
- Avoid unnecessary trips during heavy or prolonged rainfall.
- Slow down when passing areas with previous landslides or falling rocks.
- Never stop beneath unstable slopes or directly beside fresh landslide debris.
- Follow road closures and instructions from authorities.
- Be prepared to turn back if conditions deteriorate.
Most importantly, motorists should not assume that a road is safe simply because it was passable earlier in the day.
Rainfall can rapidly change mountain-road conditions.
A warning that could prevent another tragedy
For Itogon authorities, the message is ultimately about prevention.
The municipality has a long history of dealing with landslides and other hazards associated with its mountainous terrain. With slopes now heavily saturated after weeks of rain, even familiar roads can become dangerous.
The safest approach is therefore to treat every heavy-rain episode as a potential hazard—not merely a traffic inconvenience.
For residents and motorists, the warning is clear: if a trip can wait, postpone it. If travel is necessary, go in daylight, stay alert and follow official advisories.
Because in a mountain community where conditions can change within minutes, the decision to delay a trip could be the decision that saves a life.
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