Emergency crews are now actively clearing a massive natural dam on the Gaway-Gaway River, a critical step to avert major flooding in communities across San Remigio and Bogo City. This dangerous blockage was created by a landslide triggered by last September's powerful magnitude 6.9 earthquake.
Immediate Response to a Growing Threat
The landslide effectively blocked the river between San Remigio and the area of Anonang Sur in Bogo City. This natural dam caused water to accumulate, forming a substantial eight-hectare lake behind it. The rising water levels forced local authorities to issue urgent flood warnings, leading to the evacuation of residents in upstream areas, including Gaway-Gaway, due to the severe risk of sudden flooding and destructive debris flow.
Coordinated Efforts to Lower Water Levels
On Thursday, November 27, 2025, San Remigio Mayor Mariano Martinez confirmed that a strategic canal had been successfully opened. This new waterway is designed to release the trapped water and significantly reduce the immediate flooding risks. Mayor Martinez reported that the water level in the newly formed lake has already begun to slowly recede as workers continue their clearing operations.
"Hopefully, masulbad na (it will be resolved). That would be my biggest problem remaining in clearing operations," stated Martinez. Bogo City Mayor Maria Cielo Martinez also provided updates on the ongoing efforts to address the river damming within her city's jurisdiction earlier on Tuesday, November 25.
A Multi-Agency Mission for Community Safety
The large-scale response is a coordinated effort involving the Cebu Provincial Government, the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Office of Civil Defense, and local officials. While officials anticipate that full clearing operations could take several months, the immediate and critical priority is to lower the water levels that have already flooded homes. As of Thursday, ground crews reported a positive development: the water level in the lake has already dropped by approximately four inches thanks to the ongoing work.
