TARLAC CITY, Philippines — A portion of the Aquino Bridge in Tarlac City collapsed late Friday night, August 28, as relentless rains from the Southwest Monsoon, locally known as Habagat, and strong river currents battered parts of Central Luzon.
The collapse occurred at around 11:56 p.m., according to CCTV footage cited by GMA Regional TV One North Central Luzon. Authorities immediately moved to monitor the damaged structure and protect motorists and nearby residents.
The bridge is a key route connecting Tarlac City with the municipalities of Santa Ignacia, Mayantoc, Camiling and San Clemente, while also providing access toward Mangatarem, Pangasinan, making the disruption a major concern for commuters and businesses in the area.
Bridge Closed as Authorities Assess Damage
The Tarlac City government ordered the closure of Aquino Bridge following the incident, saying the structure sustained damage amid continuous rainfall and the strong flow of the Tarlac River.
City officials said disaster response agencies, including the Provincial and City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices, Public Order and Safety Office, City Engineer’s Office and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), were coordinating to assess the situation and ensure public safety.
Motorists have been urged to take alternative routes. Authorities are also closely monitoring the Agana Bridge, which is being used as an alternative passage, while restrictions have been imposed on trucks and other heavy vehicles to prevent additional strain or damage.
As of the latest reports, authorities have yet to announce the full extent of the structural damage or a timetable for repairs and the reopening of Aquino Bridge.
Heavy Rains Put Tarlac and Other Parts of Luzon on Alert
The bridge collapse came as intense Habagat rains continued to affect large areas of Luzon. Late Friday, weather authorities maintained a red heavy rainfall warning over several areas, including parts of Tarlac, signaling a serious risk of flooding in flood-prone communities.
PAGASA has also warned that heavy rainfall could persist across parts of Luzon through the long weekend, raising the risk of flooding and landslides, particularly in low-lying, urban and riverside communities.
The incident also follows other weather-related infrastructure damage reported in Central Luzon. Earlier this month, a portion of a flood-control dike in Barangay San Isidro, Tarlac City collapsed amid continuous heavy rainfall, prompting emergency coordination between local authorities and the DPWH.
Safety First as Monitoring Continues
For now, officials are urging the public to avoid the affected bridge and follow traffic advisories as engineers and disaster response teams continue their assessment.
The dramatic collapse serves as another stark reminder of the dangers posed by prolonged extreme rainfall—not only to communities along waterways, but also to critical infrastructure relied upon by thousands of Filipinos every day.
Authorities are expected to issue further updates as the damage assessment continues and alternative traffic arrangements are finalized.
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