10 killed in Central Luzon floods – police

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MANILA, Philippines – At least 10 persons were killed from heavy rains spawned by southwest monsoon in Central Luzon, regional police said Wednesday.

 
Police Chief Inspector Karen Clark, Chief of Regional Public Information Office Region 3 said rescue and retrieval operations continued as floods reaching up to 10 feet high swamped several municipalities of Bulacan, Pampanga and Bataan.

 
Police search and rescue personnel equipped with rubber boats were able to rescue 104,138 families stranded from their inundated homes and transferred to the 157 evacuation centers within the region. Residents staying from their rooftops who recently refused to leave their personal belongings due to fear of burglars were persuaded to evacuate to a safer place, she said in a statement.

 
As of latest, 10 persons were reportedly killed, two were injured and four were still missing, she added.

 
Meanwhile, aside from the search and rescue operations, Region 3 Director Police Chief Superintendent Edgardo Ladao also sent additional troops to thwart “profiteers” who may take advantage of the situation, Clark said.