The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has brought back electricity services to 206,000 customers following the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Trami). Meralco reported that from a peak of 566,000 customers who experienced power outages, service interruptions were down to about 360,000 as of noon Friday. Most of these customers are in the franchise areas of Cavite, Laguna, and Batangas, while the rest are in Metro Manila, Rizal, Bulacan, and Quezon. 'Following last night's strong winds and torrential rains, we would like to ask for our customers' patience and understanding as we have to follow protocols and prioritize their safety, especially in flooded areas,' Meralco vice president and head of corporate communications Joe Zaldarriaga said. Zaldarriaga said Meralco crews are working round-the-clock to restore power services in areas still affected by the typhoon. 'Our crews are tirelessly working to restore services to most of the affected customers by the end of the day,' he added. Meanwhile, One Meralco Foundation, the social development arm of the distribution utility, has prepared relief packs and solar lamps for families severely affected by the storm. Meralco also urged customers to report power outages and other concerns via Meralco's official social media pages on Facebook (www.facebook.com/meralco) and Twitter (@meralco), or by texting 0920-971-6211 and 0917-551-6211. They can also reach the Meralco Hotline at 16211 and 8631-1111. Source: Philippines News agency