3 Davao Oriental towns isolated in wake of ‘Pablo’

MANILA, Philippines—Three coastal towns in Davao oriental have been isolated from the rest of the province after the connecting bridge collapsed, Davao Oriental Governor Corazon Malanyaon said Friday in an interview over Radyo Inquirer 990AM.

Malanyaon said they were having difficulty reaching Cateel, Boston and Baganga, which were hit hardest by typhoon Pablo (Bopha).

“Sooner, masho-short na rin tayo. Ang importante ngayon ay madeliver ang mga goods, yan ang pinaka kailangan nila,” Malanyaon said.

Malanyaon said they have estimated 177 casualties, more than 80 of which were from Cateel.

“But we are still trying to verify the information,” Malanyaon said as she noted the difficulty of communication.