Weather Eerily Erases New Asphalt on Maguindanao del Norte National Highway

Sections of a newly asphalted national highway in this municipality were left fractured and heavily damaged after being washed away by severe flash floods on Thursday, July 9, 2026.

The sudden destruction of the infrastructure sparked immediate concern and criticism from local motorists who found themselves navigating fractured pieces of asphalt resembling broken tiles.

Relentless Rainfall Triggers Washout

According to local reports and eyewitness footage captured by resident Ali Guerrero, the destruction occurred after hours of continuous, torrential downpours battered the municipality. The relentless weather caused widespread flooding, producing swift currents that swept directly across the national highway.

Because the asphalt had been freshly laid, the intense water pressure quickly undermined the road surface, lifting massive chunks of the pavement and scattering debris across the main thoroughfare.

The severe weather stems from the combined forces of Typhoon Inday and an enhanced Southwest Monsoon (Habagat), which have triggered widespread displacement and flash floods across various provinces in Mindanao.

DPWH Cites 'Curing Period' Failure

Responding to mounting criticism online, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region XII Office issued a clarification regarding the rapid deterioration of the road.

According to DPWH regional engineers, the newly laid asphalt had not yet fully dried or completed its necessary curing period when the storm hit. The flash floods completely overwhelmed the vulnerable, unset materials before the road structure could achieve its intended durability.

The agency explicitly assured the public that they strictly adhere to national construction standards. They confirmed that restoration and repair works will commence immediately at no additional cost to the government as soon as the weather clears.

Commuter Warnings and Regional Impact

Maintenance personnel have been deployed to the site to initiate emergency clearing operations and guide traffic through the compromised sections. Local authorities have strongly advised motorists and pedestrians traveling through Parang to exercise extreme caution, expect heavy transit delays, or postpone non-essential trips.

The highway damage is part of a broader weather crisis in the province. On the same day, the Maguindanao del Norte PDRRMO reported that over 1,000 individuals were forced to evacuate due to rising floodwaters, while nearly 600 families were displaced in the neighboring town of Northern Kabuntalan.