Authorities have reported new ground cracks near the portion of the National Highway that collapsed in C2L Dulog, Barangay Ned, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato on Wednesday, February 25, as reported by Jun Dimacutac.

According to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), fresh fissures were observed in the affected area following the highway collapse.

Based on the incident assessment of South Cotabato Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Chief Rolly Duan Aquino, heavy rainfall experienced over the past week is being considered as a possible contributing factor to the landslide and road failure.

Aquino noted that even before mining operations began in the area, tension cracks had already been recorded based on earlier monitoring by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (MGB-DENR).

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon conducted a site visit and ordered the district engineering office to immediately carry out repair works. However, due to ongoing ground movement, authorities have cordoned off the affected area.

Some single motorcycles have reportedly attempted to pass through despite the risks, as the route is shorter for transporting agricultural products compared to the longer detour via Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat.

South Cotabato Governor Rinaldo Tamayo Jr. maintained that the ongoing coal mining operations in the area have nothing to do with the highway collapse.

Meanwhile, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, led by Vice Governor Arthur Pingoy Jr., has summoned mining contractors and officials from the Department of Energy (DOE) for a meeting.

Records show that since 2023, more than 2.3 million metric tons of coal have been extracted from Barangay Ned in Lake Cebu, South Cotabato.