LAKE SEBU, South Cotabato — Tensions escalated in a remote farming community after residents of Sitio Eldulog, Barangay Ned temporarily closed a newly opened road on April 8, 2026, protesting the alleged non-payment of compensation for crops damaged during its construction.
The road blockade, initiated by affected landowners and farmers, has disrupted access in the area as residents demand accountability from San Miguel Corporation, which they claim had previously committed to indemnify them for agricultural losses.
According to the residents, portions of their farmlands were cleared and crops destroyed to give way to the road project. While the company allegedly assured them of prompt compensation, they said no payment has been received to date.
“We were promised that all damages would be paid, but until now, nothing has been given,” one resident said, expressing frustration shared by many in the community.
In response, landowners decided to restrict entry and exit along the newly constructed road, effectively halting its use. They said the move was necessary to draw attention to their grievances and compel immediate action from the company.
Local authorities have advised company personnel and affected motorists to coordinate with barangay officials and the local government unit for alternative routes and proper mediation.
Compounding Crisis After Landslide Damage
The road closure comes amid an ongoing access crisis in Sitio Eldulog following a landslide that struck the area on February 12, 2026, after days of heavy rainfall. The incident severely damaged the main road, rendering it impassable to most vehicles.
Initial assessments by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of South Cotabato, in coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways and the municipal government of Lake Sebu, revealed that at least six families were affected.
Large cracks and collapsed sections of the road cut off access for four-wheel vehicles, leaving only a narrow passage for pedestrians and, in some cases, motorcycles.
The damaged road had served as a vital link between the sitio and the town center, making its loss—and now the closure of the alternative route—a significant blow to the community.
Livelihoods and Mobility Severely Affected
Residents say the situation has compounded daily hardships, particularly for farmers who rely on road access to transport produce to markets. Students are also struggling to attend classes due to the lack of safe and reliable transportation.
“The damage worsened rapidly after the heavy rains,” another resident recalled. “It felt like the ground just gave way overnight.”
With the diversion road now closed due to the compensation dispute, mobility in the area has been further restricted, raising concerns over prolonged isolation of the community.
Environmental Concerns Raised
Barangay Ned is also known for ongoing coal mining activities, which some residents suspect may have contributed to soil instability in the area. Experts have noted that excavation in coal-rich zones, especially when combined with sustained rainfall, can weaken the integrity of the road.
While no official findings have been released, authorities said the Mines and Geosciences Bureau will be invited to conduct a technical investigation to determine the root cause of the landslide.
Residents are calling for transparency and a thorough environmental assessment, warning that similar incidents could recur if underlying risks are not properly addressed.
Broader Implications on Infrastructure Trust
The standoff in Sitio Eldulog highlights a recurring issue in infrastructure development across rural Philippines—balancing progress with the rights and welfare of affected communities.
While road projects aim to improve connectivity and stimulate economic growth, failure to provide just compensation for damages can erode public trust in both government agencies and private contractors.
Under Philippine law, public infrastructure projects must undergo proper land acquisition processes, including fair compensation for affected property owners. When these obligations are not met, residents have legal avenues to seek redress through local government units or the courts.
For now, the road in Sitio Eldulog remains closed, with residents firm in their demand for justice.
Local officials are expected to mediate between the parties in the coming days, as the community hopes for a swift resolution that will restore access while ensuring accountability and fair treatment for those affected.