Toboso residents urged to stay alert amid sinkhole threat

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Residents have been advised to remain vigilant following continuous ground movement in an area feared to be a sinkhole in Sitio Bairan, Barangay General Luna, Toboso, Negros Occidental.

Hospicio Carbajosa Jr., head of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), said heavy rainfall could worsen the cracks, as the land has been deemed unstable.

Although a portion of the affected area has been cordoned off, some residents continue to pass through at their own risk to transport their root crops, citing that the designated alternative route is much longer.

“We have advised them to be cautious of the risks and remain alert,” Carbajosa said.

So far, no significant changes have been observed in the road, with the affected area remaining confined within a 60-meter diameter.

As of Wednesday, ground subsidence was measured at approximately 11 feet and one inch, according to Carbajosa.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau-Negros Island Region (MGB-NIR), along with other concerned government agencies, conducted an inspection of the area Wednesday to further assess the situation.

Carbajosa said a more thorough scientific investigation is needed, adding that MGB-NIR plans to borrow high-end equipment from MGB-Western Visayas to conduct a deeper probe.

The timeline for the assessment will depend on the availability of the necessary equipment, he said.

During the inspection, the team examined the topography, terrain, and ground measurements of the cracks, and also sought to determine whether underground cavities may have caused the land subsidence.

Carbajosa said they could not determine how long the investigation will take but assured that the MDRRMO is willing to assist.

He emphasized that official scientific findings must come from MGB-NIR as the proper authority on such matters.

The incident was discovered Feb. 12, affecting an area near the highway that is composed of limestone soil.