Opening of Manila North Road section in Ilocos Norte closed by landslide still uncertain

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Region 1 (Ilocos) cannot determine when the Manila North Road in Kilometer 578+800, Sitio Banquero, Barangay Pancian, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte blocked by landslide will be open to traffic.

Engr. Josie Garcia-Oamar, DPWH-Region 1 Maintenance Management Section chief, said that another rockslide hit the area which was under clearing operation after a major landslide.

“Tuloy-tuloy at 24/7 po sila sa clearing operations sa both sides, at nakakatakot kapag may gumuguho, lalo sa safety ng operators, may time po na tumatakbo sila (Clearing operations are ongoing 24/7 and sometimes we have to stop when there is a landslide because operators are in danger),” Oamar said.

The DPWH-Region 1 said these alternate routes may be taken in going to Region 2 and vice versa:

Via the Ilocos Sur-Abra Kalinga-Tuguegarao Road

– Manila North Road (MNR), Ilocos Sur-Abra Road Junction Narvacan, Ilocos Sur-Bangued, Abra Section then Abra-Kalinga Road (Bangued-Tayum-Lagangilang-Licuan Baay-Balbalan Section) then Kalinga-Abra Road (Balbalan-Pasil-Tabuk Section) and then Junction Kalinga-Tuguegarao Road.

Via Ilocos Norte-Apayao Road and vice-versa but for 4×4 vehicles only:

– Tuguegarao via Conner, Apayao Road- Kabugao, Apayao-Calanasan, Apayao-Solsona, Ilocos Norte.

– Claveria, Cagayan-Calanasan Junction Namaltugan going left to Kabugao, Apayao, going right to Solsona, Ilocos Norte where one lane is passable due to ongoing project.

The DPWH-Region 1 reminded motorists they need to pass three rivers. One river crossing has a standby loader to assist motorists while the two other river crossings are passable with caution.

Motorists were advised to take safety precaution while travelling these alternate routes.