KUMALARANG, Zamboanga del Sur — A critical segment of the Maharlika Highway has been rendered completely impassable following the collapse of a major retaining wall on Sunday morning, March 1, 2026.
The collapse occurred along the Bogayo–Gatub section in the town of Kumalarang. According to local authorities, no injuries or casualties were reported, but the road remains blocked by massive debris.
- Prior Issues: Even before the wall gave way, the area had been under a “stop and go” traffic scheme since January due to earlier landslides and ongoing road-widening projects.
- Current Status: The highway is currently closed to all types of vehicles until further notice.
Personnel from Badsbro Construction are currently on-site working to clear the rubble and stabilize the affected slope. In the meantime, the Kumalarang Local Government Unit (LGU) has advised travelers to use an alternative route:
- Recommended Detour: Take the Lakewood route to bypass the blocked section.
The LGU emphasized that safety is the top priority and urged motorists to be patient and vigilant.
“For everyone’s safety, please refrain from using this route until an official advisory is issued declaring it passable again,” the LGU stated.
Travelers are reminded to stay alert, as the region’s terrain remains unstable, particularly in areas where road construction and previous landslides have weakened the soil.