MANILA — The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported on Saturday that three individuals have gone missing and more than 215,000 residents have been affected by days of heavy rainfall brought on by the southwest monsoon and Severe Tropical Storm Crising.
According to OCD Administrator Undersecretary Rafaelito Alejandro IV, two individuals in Antique were swept away by floods while sleeping in their homes. “Reports indicate they were carried out to sea, which is why they remain missing,” Alejandro explained.
Another missing case was reported in Palawan, where a person ventured out to sea despite ongoing inclement weather. Authorities are currently validating all reports.
As of the latest data, the extreme weather conditions have impacted residents in 495 barangays, particularly in the Negros Island Region and Panay. The OCD remains on red alert, ensuring a steady supply of relief assistance across the affected regions.
Alejandro confirmed that roughly 3 million family food packs are ready for distribution to local governments, supported by standby funds from both the OCD and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). “Our operations and monitoring efforts continue in coordination with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC),” he said.
In addition to aid efforts, around 18,000 personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and the Philippine Coast Guard have been placed on standby for rescue operations.
The NDRRMC has also reported approximately ₱11.5 million in damages to flood control infrastructure in the Ilocos Region.
While Severe Tropical Storm Crising exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) noted that Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 remains hoisted over parts of Luzon and the Visayas, with more rain still anticipated.
