Laguna issues advisory for preemptive evacuation

SAN PEDRO CITY—The Laguna Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC) on Wednesday issued an advisory to low-lying and flood-prone municipalities and cities to implement preemptive evacuation after the province was placed under red rainfall warning due to Typhoon “Falcon.”

A red rainfall alert warns of torrential rain and serious flooding. Both Laguna and Cavite were placed under alert by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration as of 2:10 p.m.

Meanwhile, Cavite Gov. Juanito Victor Remulla on Wednesday noon announced the suspension of classes in all levels in view of the typhoon.

In a phone interview, Laguna PDRRMC officer Dolly Evangelista said those advised to take extra precaution were residents near the Laguna Lake and other water tributaries.

As of 4 p.m., Evangelista said none of the local government units had implemented evacuation, but evacuation centers, such as schools and government buildings, and rescue equipment were all readied.

She said heavy rains were reported in parts of Cabuyao City, and in the towns of Nagcarlan, Pagsanjan, and Sta. Cruz.

A river in Sta. Maria town was also under close watch with its water level feared to increase should heavy downpour continue.

In Palawan, two fishermen identified as Larry Cayao, 44, and Roberto Almasin, 30, were reported missing since 11 p.m. on July 7.

A report from the DRRMC in Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan), said the two residents of Barangay Ilian in Dumaran, went out to sail in Roxas, Palawan, on Tuesday morning. They were expected to return in the evening but already lost communication with their families.