Several men feared trapped by landslide in Kabugao, Apayao; Mayor Ligwang tells residents to avoid danger zones

Kabugao, Apayao - A landslide occurred in an upland site along Purag Creek in Barangay Badduat, Kabugao, Apayao, earlier this Thursday, November 20, 2025, according to the Apayao Public Information Office.

Initial details from Barangay Captain Benji Amid said that a number of yet-to-be-identified individuals may have been trapped after parts of the slopes in the area collapsed.

The barangay captain said most of those in the area are men.

As cited, personnel from the 98th Infantry Battalion are already mobilized to conduct search and rescue at the site. On the other hand, the Kabugao MDRRMO Search, Rescue, and Retrieval Team, along with BFP, KMPS, and RMFB15, is currently having their operational briefing and will be deployed once conditions along the route become safe for movement.

DPWH personnel are doing road clearing to make the area accessible.

Meanwhile, the local government unit (LGU-Kabugao), under the leadership of Mayor Bensmar B. Ligwang, reminded the public to remain vigilant, avoid danger zones, and evacuate if necessary, especially those in landslide-prone areas.

The landslide incident was triggered by the continuous heavy rains brought by the Northeast Monsoon enhanced by the shear line, which softened slopes and increased landslide risks in upland areas.

Barangay Badduat, where the soil collapse happened, is geographically classified as one of the upland areas in Apayao considered to be a landslide-prone area, according to the Apayao-Pacific Disaster Center.

The area’s estimated elevation is approximately 243.6 meters (799.2 feet) above mean sea level.

This is a developing story…