Manila: Families affected by the combined effects of Tropical Depressions Luis and Maymay, and the southwest monsoon or 'habagat' rose to 39,879, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported on Friday.
According to Philippines News Agency, OCD public information officer Diego Mariano, in a message to reporters, said the affected families consist of about 132,956 persons residing in the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Bicol Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, and the Cordillera Region. Mariano noted that 61 evacuation centers in the affected areas are currently providing shelter to 2,021 families, or about 6,215 individuals.
He further mentioned that the OCD is verifying reports of two deaths and one injury due to a landslide in Benguet on Thursday, with an additional two fatalities resulting from a rockslide in Rizal on Wednesday. Addressing discrepancies with the higher death toll reported by the Philippine National Police (PNP), which stood at six as of Thursday, Mariano explained that the OCD and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council have different protocols for reporting casualties. He stated, "(Once these are) verified/ validated to be caused by the weather systems, they will be added to our report."
Meanwhile, the Philippine Army (PA) has initiated humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations in areas impacted by landslides and flooding due to Maymay and the enhanced southwest monsoon. PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala informed the Philippine News Agency that units are actively deployed on the ground to assist with evacuation efforts, deliver relief supplies, and support clearing operations to restore access in affected communities.
Col. Dema-ala emphasized that additional forces are on standby for rapid deployment to ensure a timely response as the situation evolves. These efforts are being conducted in close coordination with local government units and other agencies under the established disaster response framework. He reiterated the PA's commitment to supporting affected communities and ensuring that assistance reaches those in need as quickly and efficiently as possible.
