Torrential Rains Trigger Destructive Mudslides and Flooding in Polomolok

Sanol Ecotourism Resort, Landan, Polomolok, South Cotabato | Photo Courtesy of Royce Pendatun

A powerful combination of rain-induced mudslides and severe flash floods swept through several villages here on Wednesday afternoon, July 1, 2026, burying vehicles, damaging local infrastructure, and stranding dozens of motorists.

Local disaster officials confirmed that torrential downpours triggered the sudden onslaught, which primarily devastated Barangay Landan and Barangay Maligo.

Mud and Debris Submerge Key Roads

In Purok Dam, Barangay Landan, a torrent of mud, boulders, and uprooted debris rushed down from nearby high-elevation slopes, completely swallowing sections of the local highway. The road quickly became entirely impassable, stranding numerous motorists as water levels climbed rapidly.

Eyewitness accounts and visual reports from the scene showed a minivan completely buried up to its roof in thick sludge along the blocked thoroughfare.

Resort Hit in Barangay Maligo

A separate landslide struck Barangay Maligo, directly hitting a local resort area. The roaring wall of mud and soil tore through the property, burying two motorcycles and another minivan.

Resort guests and staff scrambled to safety as the hillsides gave way under the weight of the continuous rainfall.

Emergency Response and Recovery

The Polomolok Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), alongside the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and local volunteer groups, immediately deployed to the worst-hit areas to spearhead rescue aid and evacuations.

Despite the severe property and vehicle damage, municipal authorities confirmed that no casualties or injuries have been reported.

Heavy equipment and clearing crews remain on-site today, working continuously to scoop away the dense layers of mud and debris to restore vital road access for the community.

Ongoing Travel and Safety Advisories

With unstable weather conditions persisting across South Cotabato, disaster teams are actively monitoring nearby river channels for potential secondary flooding.

Local authorities have issued a strict safety advisory urging residents and travelers to avoid landslide-prone routes and low-lying areas. The public is advised to monitor the Municipal Government of Polomolok’s official communication channels for real-time traffic diversions and weather updates.