THE Davao City Disaster Risks Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) advised the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 11 to put a warning sign in the low-lying area of its road widening project.
This, after three individuals in a taxi were swept away by a strong current after a huge log hit the vehicle in a flash flood, which was triggered by a heavy downpour, at around 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday evening.
The three individuals sustained minor injuries during the incident.
Portions of the C.P. Garcia Highway were not passable due to the incident.
CDRRMO chief Alfredo Baluran said he is personally not aware that DPWH placed a dike in a portion of its ongoing road widening project in Langub Road going to Magtuod Road.
Baluran said he then ordered the project contractor to remove some debris that might be swept by the heavy downpour.
"We requested them to put warning signs and warning devices for the motorist to be aware since almost every night we are experiencing rainfall," he said.
He also requested DPWH to pile up cement blocks, which would serve as a barricade, to prevent the ground from blocking the road.
DPWH Davao chief information officer Dean Ortiz, meanwhile, said they are complying with CDDRMO's directives.
"We have also closed a few lanes to give way to the repairs," Ortiz said, ensuring the safety of motorists passing through the highway.
He said the ground from the embankment was already saturated, which easily softened the ground when the heavy rainfall occured.
He also said the agency is in coordination with the city.