TUBLAY, BENGUET — Motorists traveling through Benguet are being urged to take extra precautions as the Gov. Bado Dangwa National Road remains closed to all traffic following a major landslide that damaged a slope protection structure in Tublay.
The closure affects the section in Bangho, Daclan, Tublay, where a slope protection structure collapsed after prolonged heavy rainfall triggered a massive soil movement on August 13, 2026.
According to the Philippine Information Agency, authorities announced that the road would remain closed until clearing operations are completed and the affected section is assessed and declared safe for motorists.
Why the road remains closed
The incident occurred at around 2 a.m. on August 13, amid continuous rains associated with tropical cyclones Luis and Maymay and the southwest monsoon, or habagat.
While the collapse damaged the slope protection system, authorities noted that the rock-net structure had helped contain falling rocks and debris.
The Philippine Tribune reported that DPWH-Cordillera officials said the passive rock-net system had served its intended purpose by helping prevent loose soil, rocks and other debris from reaching the roadway and potentially threatening motorists and properties below.
Engineers are now dealing with the damaged structure, accumulated debris and the condition of the surrounding slope before the road can safely reopen.
Clearing operations underway
The Department of Public Works and Highways-Cordillera, together with local officials, has inspected the affected area and assessed how the collapsed structure and debris can be removed.
Clearing operations were initially hampered by unfavorable weather and the risks posed to personnel and heavy equipment. By August 18, however, full clearing operations were underway, with the Tublay municipal government supervising activities and local police assisting with traffic management.
Authorities have emphasized that reopening will not happen simply because debris has been removed. The affected section must first be assessed to determine whether it is safe for motorists.
Motorists told to use alternate routes
With the national road still closed, travelers are being advised to use available alternate routes, including the Posos-Suyoc Alternate Route and the Ambongdolan-Tuel-Alno-Alapang Provincial Road.
However, these routes are passable only to light vehicles, according to the latest PIA advisory.
Recent reporting from the Philippine Daily Inquirer likewise listed the Gov. Bado Dangwa National Road among Cordillera road sections that remained impassable because of landslide and road damage, with the Suyoc-Baayan-Posos Provincial Road identified as an alternate route for light vehicles.
Travelers should therefore avoid assuming that the alternate route will provide the same capacity or travel conditions as the national road.
Travel remains difficult across Benguet
The closure is part of a wider disruption affecting roads throughout the Cordillera following days of heavy rain.
GMA News previously reported long queues and extended waiting times in the area while motorists used the Suyoc-Posos route as an alternative to the closed Gov. Bado Dangwa National Road. Some motorists reported waiting 30 minutes to an hour to get through the alternate route.
The Manila Bulletin also reported that multiple Cordillera road sections remained impassable following heavy rains, highlighting the continuing impact of landslides and road damage on transportation in the region.
No reopening date announced yet
For now, authorities have not announced a definite reopening date for the affected portion of the Gov. Bado Dangwa National Road.
The road will remain closed until clearing is completed and the area is determined to be safe.
Motorists traveling through Benguet are advised to monitor official announcements from the Benguet Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Tublay officials and DPWH-Cordillera before making travel plans.
With the region still vulnerable to landslides during periods of heavy rain, authorities are also urging travelers to exercise extreme caution when using mountainous roads and alternate routes.
For motorists: the important message is simple — the Gov. Bado Dangwa National Road is still closed, and entering the affected section before authorities declare it safe could put lives at risk.
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