TACLOBAN CITY – The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) has placed the entire Eastern Visayas region under “blue alert” following the implementation of vehicle restrictions at the San Juanico Bridge, a key link between the islands of Leyte and Samar.
The decision was made during an emergency meeting held on Friday, May 16, as the RDRRMC intensified its coordinated response to the situation.
“Technically, the alert level was raised for the entire region, but it specifically supports the situation at the San Juanico Bridge. This enables us to mobilize additional resources and ensure our response is appropriate for the severity of the issue,” said Office of Civil Defense (OCD-8) Regional Director and RDRRMC chairperson Lord Byron Torrecarion.
Torrecarion explained that placing the region under blue alert allows the use of the quick response fund (QRF) to cover fuel costs, deploy teams, and provide assistance to affected individuals.
“This also provides legal grounding for releasing aid, protecting us from potential disallowances by the Commission on Audit (COA). The alert status becomes our basis,” he added.
Torrecarion said they could not yet determine how long the blue alert status would remain in place.
The situation stems from a Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) memorandum issued on May 8, 2025, implementing a temporary axle load limit of three tons for all vehicles crossing the San Juanico Bridge. The restriction aims to prevent further structural deterioration and protect commuters and local communities.
In response, the RDRRMC issued Memorandum No. 05-005, series of 2025, directing all stakeholders to strictly enforce the limitations and coordinate closely with local government units (LGUs) to maintain order and public support.
A follow-up directive—Memorandum No. 05-006, series of 2025—was sent to all Provincial, City, and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs) in Southern Leyte, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Ormoc City, and Tacloban City. It outlined additional safety measures, including the requirement for all vehicles not exceeding three metric tons to cross only along the centerline of the bridge, and one at a time, under close supervision of on-site traffic management personnel.
Heavy vehicles, such as cargo trucks and buses, are temporarily banned from using the bridge until further notice to minimize structural stress and allow for urgent repair and maintenance works.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
