The municipal government of Jose Abad Santos in Davao Occidental has mandated a forced evacuation for residents in Sitio Kibatang, Barangay Sugal, following a severe flash flood on Tuesday evening, July 14, 2026. This directive, issued via Executive Order No. 26-026, follows a series of weather-related incidents triggered by the southwest monsoon and tropical storm Inday, which have left roads impassable and communities along the Kibatang River at risk.
Mandatory Evacuation and Infrastructure Damage
Mayor Jason John Joyce confirmed the transition from pre-emptive to forced evacuation measures on Wednesday, citing the necessity for public safety after the latest flood proved more destructive than the one occurring on July 10. The flooding has caused significant structural damage in Sitio Kibatang, sweeping away or heavily damaging homes, including those located near the residence of Barangay Captain Gerardo Castro IV.
Transportation in the region remains severely restricted. As of July 15, four roads across several barangays are impassable due to landslides and debris. While roads in neighboring Santa Maria, Malita, and Don Marcelino remain open, access to Jose Abad Santos is hampered; a landslide in Barangay Cayaponga previously blocked travel routes earlier in the week.
Did You Know? The Trinidad Wall, a sheer cliff face in the area, serves as a natural indicator of extreme rainfall; during heavy downpours, at least three distinct waterfalls emerge along the cliff, with some water cascading directly onto the seaside road leading toward Barangays Tanuman, Sugal, and Nuing.
Search and Recovery Efforts
The recent flash floods follow a Sunday incident at the Tanuman Bridge, where a surge of water clogged the structure with lumber and swept 10 individuals out to sea. While 55-year-old Danny Pallano Diantan survived the incident, emergency responders have recovered the bodies of four victims: Rossana Galas Masaglang (50), Baby Jane Abon Cabca (46), Ruby Jane Abon Cabca (9), and Leonard Jeo Pallano Benamira (2).
Five individuals remain missing. Although local officials reported the discovery of a lower body part on Monday, they have not yet confirmed its identity. The ongoing cleanup of mud and debris continues to complicate access and recovery operations in the affected barangays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was a forced evacuation order issued for Sitio Kibatang?
The municipal government issued the order under Executive Order No. 26-026 because a flash flood on Tuesday evening was significantly larger than the previous one on July 10, posing a continued threat to the safety of residents living along the Kibatang River.
What is the status of the search for the missing individuals from the Tanuman Bridge incident?
Of the 10 people swept to sea on Sunday, four fatalities have been recovered and one survivor has been identified. Five people remain missing, and while a lower body part was found on Monday, officials have not yet confirmed if it belongs to any of the missing persons.
Are roads into Jose Abad Santos currently open?
As of July 15, four roads in several barangays are impassable due to landslides and blockages. While roads in Santa Maria, Malita, and Don Marcelino are passable, travel into Jose Abad Santos has been restricted by these conditions.
What long-term measures might be necessary to protect residents in areas prone to such rapid flash flooding?
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