TARLAC CITY — Disaster struck Tarlac City for the second time in less than 24 hours after the Agana Bridge in Barangay Tibag collapsed Saturday night, as relentless Southwest Monsoon or Habagat rains sent powerful currents surging through the Tarlac River.
The Agana Bridge gave way at around 8:32 p.m. on August 29, according to the Tarlac City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
The collapse became even more alarming when a gray Toyota Avanza carrying five people plunged into the Tarlac River after part of the bridge gave way.
Authorities said one passenger was rescued, while search-and-rescue teams continued looking for the four others who remained missing in the latest available reports.
The incident came only about a day after the Ninoy Aquino Bridge, also known as the Aquino Bridge, suffered a major collapse amid the same period of intense rainfall and strong river currents.
TWO BRIDGES, ONE WEATHER CRISIS
The Aquino Bridge was damaged late Friday, August 28, with a section collapsing at around 11:56 p.m.
GMA News reported that approximately 60 meters of the Aquino Bridge had collapsed. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) attributed the failure to strong river currents generated by the persistent Habagat rains striking the bridge’s foundation.
The Aquino Bridge had been closed to motorists while government agencies assessed the damage.
That closure made the Agana Bridge particularly important as an alternative route.
But less than a day later, Agana Bridge itself collapsed.
With both structures rendered impassable, motorists and communities relying on the crossings now face major disruptions.
The Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that the Aquino Bridge serves as an important connection between Tarlac City and several municipalities, including Sta. Ignacia, Mayantoc, Camiling and San Clemente, with access toward Mangatarem in Pangasinan.
RESCUE OPERATION UNDERWAY
Following the Agana Bridge collapse, emergency responders immediately launched search-and-rescue operations in the Tarlac River.
The vehicle involved was carrying three males and two females, according to the initial incident report cited by GMA News.
One of the five occupants was rescued, while authorities continued efforts to locate the remaining four passengers.
The situation remains fluid, and officials are continuing to verify the identities and conditions of those involved.
AUTHORITIES WARN MOTORISTS
The Tarlac City government has urged motorists not to attempt to cross the damaged Agana Bridge and to use designated alternative routes.
The damage has also raised concerns about the ability of nearby roads and remaining crossings to handle diverted traffic.
Before the Agana Bridge collapse, authorities had already advised motorists using it as an alternative to the damaged Aquino Bridge to exercise extreme caution.
The DPWH was also expected to restrict trucks and heavy equipment from using the Agana crossing because of concerns about additional structural stress.
HABAGAT CONTINUES TO HAMMER LUZON
The two bridge failures occurred as intensified Habagat rains continued to affect large portions of Luzon.
The severe weather has triggered flooding and other hazards across Central Luzon and other parts of the country.
The Office of Civil Defense reported on Sunday that 429 areas across Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon and Metro Manila were flooded because of the continuing rains.
Tarlac has already experienced other infrastructure problems linked to the persistent rainfall. Earlier reports also documented damage to a dike in the province after strong river currents battered the structure.
THE BIGGER QUESTION NOW
The back-to-back bridge collapses have transformed what initially appeared to be a severe weather-related infrastructure problem into a major transportation and public-safety concern for Tarlac.
Authorities must now determine the full extent of the damage, establish safe alternative routes, and assess whether other bridges and infrastructure exposed to the same powerful river currents remain structurally sound.
For residents and motorists, the immediate priority is clear: avoid the damaged crossings, follow local traffic advisories, and stay away from swollen rivers and unstable structures while the Habagat continues.
The search for the four missing passengers remains the most urgent concern as rescue teams continue operations.
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