Widespread Flooding Hits Maguindanao del Sur; Thousands Affected

By Sherman Calotes | Mindanao People's Press 

COTABATO CITY, BARMM — Relentless rains triggered by the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) battered several parts of Maguindanao del Sur and Sarangani over the weekend, displacing more than 30,000 residents, submerging entire communities, and damaging key agricultural and infrastructure assets across Mindanao.

The Office of Civil Defense in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (OCD-BARMM) reported that as of Saturday, 6,023 households or approximately 30,115 individuals were affected in the towns of Datu Abdullah Sangki, Shariff Aguak, and Datu Saudi Ampatuan. The low-lying town of Datu Salibo, which serves as a natural catch basin for floodwaters flowing from neighboring provinces such as South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat, was also inundated. All 17 barangays in Datu Salibo were submerged, with damage assessments still ongoing.

“These areas are repeatedly affected by flooding because of their proximity to the Liguasan Marsh,” explained Joel Mamon, Regional Director of OCD-BARMM, who joined an aerial survey over the weekend to assess the extent of the devastation. The survey was conducted in coordination with the Philippine Air Force Tactical Operations Group 12, led by Col. Caezar Pascua, and the 6th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office.

The floodwaters did not spare farmlands. In Datu Abdullah Sangki, hectares of crops particularly rice, corn, peanuts, and assorted vegetables were lost to the deluge. While the Department of Agriculture has yet to release an official estimate, early reports indicate significant agricultural losses that could affect food supply and farmer incomes in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, infrastructure also took a hit. A critical bridge in Barangay Bagumbong, Mamasapano, which serves as a key transport route for communities and local commerce, was reported damaged. Emergency responders continue to monitor other high-risk areas for additional structural vulnerabilities.

In neighboring Sarangani province, local authorities in Alabel town were forced to evacuate residents in Barangay Baluntay following intense overnight rainfall. Responders from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC), in coordination with barangay officials and volunteers, ensured that all affected families were safely relocated.

So far, no casualties have been reported, but authorities continue to warn residents in flood-prone areas to stay alert and prepare for possible further evacuations as the ITCZ continues to affect large portions of Mindanao.

Temporary shelters have been established, and relief operations are ongoing. Food packs, clean water, and other basic needs are being distributed by local government units and humanitarian agencies.

As the region braces for more rains, officials emphasize the urgent need for long-term climate resilience programs, including flood control infrastructure and sustainable agriculture systems, especially in areas surrounding the Liguasan Marsh.

“This disaster once again reminds us of the growing urgency to invest in climate-adaptive infrastructure and support our most vulnerable communities,” Mamon said.

(Source: Civil Defense BARMM,Photo courtesy of the Office of Civil Defense–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (OCD-BARMM)