A large sinkhole discovered in Barangay Guadalupe has drawn widespread attention online, prompting authorities to restrict access to the area while they assess the ground’s stability and determine the cause of the collapse.
The sinkhole was discovered on Aug. 20 in Purok Indilincio, an elevated area away from the city proper and coastline, according to the Bogo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).
A video circulating on Facebook showed the unusually wide opening, with loose soil visible along portions of its edges. Initial observations placed the opening at about 15 to 16 meters across, although authorities have yet to determine its depth.
During an initial inspection, city personnel observed soil continuing to fall from the sides of the sinkhole, indicating that ground movement may still be occurring.
Authorities have since established a restricted area around the site and installed barriers to prevent residents and curious onlookers from approaching the opening.
The public has been warned not to enter the cordoned area because the surrounding ground could remain unstable even without visible signs of another collapse.
Three houses are located relatively close to the sinkhole but remain outside the established safety perimeter. One occupied house has been temporarily vacated as a precaution.
Authorities also observed what appeared to be water beneath the opening through drone footage and other observations from the area.
Because of the possibility of underground water passages, residents have been warned against throwing soil, rocks, garbage or other materials into the sinkhole.
The city government is coordinating with geologists for a more detailed assessment that will determine the sinkhole’s depth, underground extent and possible cause.
Bogo City Mayor Maria Cielo Martinez said the information available remains preliminary and cautioned the public against treating the viral video as a final assessment of the site.
“We are in close coordination with the Barangay and have recorded here actions taken. Nakig-coordinate na sad ta sa MGB to check the area and will be in close coordination as well with them for their findings,” Martinez said.
Martinez also urged residents to rely on findings from authorities and technical experts rather than making conclusions based solely on footage circulating online.
Authorities reminded residents near the area to watch for new cracks, depressions, soil movement or other unusual changes and report them immediately.
The city government will maintain the safety restrictions around the sinkhole while awaiting the results of the technical assessment.
Screenshot from Theo Lim
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