Cops, soldiers deployed to enforce limited use of San Juanico Bridge over potential damage 

Policemen and soldiers were deployed in strategic areas of the San Juanico Bridge in Eastern Visayas to restrict the use of the iconic infrastructure following a recent assessment that revealed potential damage to some of its structural components, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said. 

OCD administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno said the deployment of policemen and soldiers is part of the efforts to prevent further deterioration of the San Juanico Bridge, which connects Samar and Leyte, and to protect both travelers and local communities.

“These teams conduct vehicle weighing, traffic checks, and enforcement activities to prevent overloads, ensure safety, and facilitate smooth traffic flow,” said Nepomuceno, adding that it is also part of enforcement of the decision to only allow light vehicles weighing below three tons to use it.

On May 8, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) issued a memorandum implementing a temporary axle load limit of three tons for all vehicles crossing the bridge. 

Based on the memorandum, all vehicles must traverse along the bridge centerline and proceed one at a time, in strict compliance with on-site traffic management personnel. 

Heavy vehicles, including commercial cargo trucks and buses, were also prohibited from using the bridge until further notice. 

Nepomuceno said the government is continuously monitoring the situation and exploring long-term solutions to restore the bridge’s full capacity. 

“Our goal is to prevent incidents and ensure our infrastructure can withstand natural hazards,” he said.