In response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s directive to address concerns regarding the structural safety of the San Juanico Bridge, a new San Juanico Task Group (SJTG) has been formed to oversee security, safety, and operational coordination in the area. This initiative follows agreements and directives from the Office of the House Speaker.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) will serve as the lead agency and overall chair of the SJTG, responsible for ensuring smooth traffic flow, security, and rapid response efforts across the bridge. The task force will collaborate closely with partner agencies to implement safety protocols and conduct ongoing structural assessments.
One immediate measure is the establishment of a single Public Assistance Desk at the Mega Tent provided by Tingog Partylist, located on both sides of the bridge. This will serve as the primary help point, streamlining assistance and information dissemination. All existing help desks and tents near the bridge will be transferred to the Mega Tent to enhance support services. To facilitate traffic flow, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will keep its vehicle weighing station operational, and all areas before the bridge will be cleared of obstructions. Security personnel will enforce these measures to prevent congestion and ensure safety.
The Mega Tent will serve as the Command Post, with a Mobile Command Center from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the GECSS MOVE of DICT stationed nearby for coordinated response efforts. Security teams will conduct 24-hour patrols at strategic points, with deployment schemes coordinated among agencies to ensure continuous coverage.
To assist passengers crossing the bridge, an on-site One-Stop-Shop will be operational for franchise applications and permits. Two temporary passenger terminals will be established—one in Tacloban City, Leyte, in front of Orly’s Restaurant, and another in Sta. Rita, Samar, near a food stop. U-turns and staging areas along bypass roads will help manage traffic and facilitate movement across the bridge.
Heavy vehicles will be rerouted through proposed checkpoints strategically located in Sogod and Ormoc on the Leyte side, as well as in Palo, Tacloban, and Sta. Fe. On the Samar side, proposed checkpoints will be established in Catbalogan, Taft, Basey, and Sta. Rita. These checkpoints will enforce rerouting policies, guiding trucks away from the bridge toward alternative routes such as Ormoc, to reduce stress on the structure and enhance safety.
Effective today, Sunday, May 18, 2025, these measures—including reconnaissance and deployment—are now in effect. Pedestrians will no longer be allowed to cross on foot; instead, coasters and light vehicles will ferry passengers across to ensure safety and operational efficiency.
OCD Undersecretary Ariel F. Nepomuceno emphasized the importance of public cooperation, stating, “We ask everyone to understand and work with us. Our top priority is the safety of travelers and residents. We will lift these restrictions only when we are fully confident that the bridge’s structural integrity is secure.” He reiterated President Marcos Jr.’s focus on infrastructure safety: “The President has emphasized that the safety and resilience of our roads and bridges are non-negotiable. We are committed to preventing tragedies like the collapse of the Isabela Bridge from happening again.”
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Eastern Visayas, together with the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC), has maintained a Blue Alert status—a sign of heightened preparedness and alertness.
The Blue Alert remains in effect following the enforcement of load limits on the San Juanico Bridge, a vital link connecting Leyte and Samar. This alert is issued in anticipation of slow-onset disasters or potential escalation of the situation. It underscores the need for heightened readiness, proactive measures, and strengthened inter-agency coordination to ensure the smooth flow of essential goods and services while mitigating emerging risks and disruptions.
Meanwhile, OCD Eastern Visayas Director Lord Byron Torrecarion, who also chairs the RDRRMC in the region, assured the public of their continued commitment to collaboration and communication. “We are working tirelessly to keep the region safe and moving. We ask everyone to stay informed through official channels and follow safety guidelines,” he said.
Authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as necessary. The regional government remains dedicated to conducting thorough assessments of the bridge’s structural condition in the coming days to ensure the safety of all.
