COTABATO CITY, Philippines — People traveling between Buldon, Maguindanao and Pigcwayan in Cotabato province are risking their lives because they have been forced to cross the damaged overflow bridge in Barangay Dinganen on foot.
Village chairman Rufo Capada said floods caused by days of incessant rains damaged the bridge and forced them to close it to vehicular traffic.
At least one resident of the village was almost swept away when he attempted to cross the bridge by wading through the rushing waters after his vehicle stalled mid-river.
But residents, including students, have continued to make the risky crossing by helping each other.
Buldon Mayor Abolais Manalao has sought the help of the provincial government and the public works department to immediately repair the structure.
Records of the Buldon police show that at least 10 persons have lost their lives trying to cross the bridge during floods in years past.
