Tuburan residents urged to avoid collapsed bridge

CEBU, Philippines — The local government of Tuburan has warned the public to stay away from the Old Suba Bridge in Barangay Poblacion 2 following its collapse on Sunday evening, October 25, citing the risk of further structural damage.

Photos of the collapsed bridge, which connects Barangay Daan Lungsod and Barangay 2, circulated online, drawing attention to the condition of the old structure.

In a public safety advisory, the municipal government urged residents to keep at least five meters away from the bridge and avoid entering the restricted area.

“Do not attempt to cross, approach, or linger near the structure,” the advisory stated, warning that further collapse could pose a danger to people in the vicinity.

The local government said it had already informed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) about the incident and sought the agency’s immediate intervention.

The Old Suba Bridge has been closed to traffic since the completion of a new bridge around 2015, according to the municipal government.

Despite the closure, Tuburan LGU said it had repeatedly asked the DPWH to demolish the old bridge, citing concerns over its condition.

The municipality said it had already formally requested the structure’s demolition during the administration of former mayor Democrito Diamante.

The request was reiterated in a letter dated February 7, 2025, which was acknowledged by the DPWH Cebu 3rd District Engineering Office in a response dated March 5, 2025.

However, the local government said it could not proceed with the demolition on its own because the bridge remains under the jurisdiction of the DPWH.

The agency’s authorization and action are necessary before the old structure can be demolished, the municipality said.

The latest incident has prompted the local government to renew its call for the DPWH to intervene and address the condition of the bridge.

The municipality stressed that public safety must be prioritized, particularly given the possibility of further structural collapse.

Residents were urged to comply with the safety restrictions and avoid the area until further action is taken. — MRM (CEBU NEWS)