MANILA, Philippines--Afternoon classes for all private and public schools in the preschool, elementary, and high levels in Metro Manila have been suspended due to rains, the Department of Education said Wednesday.

In a statement, Metro Manila Regional Director Teresita Domalanta made the announcement in light of the continuous rains brought by the southwest monsoon enhanced by tropical depression Maring.

"Local DepEd officials and local government executives in other areas may decide to suspend classes in their areas depending on local situation including flooding and landslides which may endanger our students," the DepEd added in its statement.