Classes, gov't work suspended anew

Monsoon, TD Dante to spawn more rains

- By HELEN FLORES and MICHAEL PUNONGBAYAN

Amid continuous heavy rains spawned by the enhanced southwest monsoon and the entry of Tropical Depression Dante, Malacañang suspended anew work in government offices and classes in all levels in Metro Manila and several other areas in Luzon and the Visayas today.

The number of fatalities due to the combined Severe Tropical Storm Crising (international name Wipha) and the southwest monsoon has climbed to six, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin issued Memorandum Circular 90 yesterday afternoon suspending work and classes in Metro Manila, Pangasinan, Zambales, Tarlac, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, Occidental Mindoro, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Quezon, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Masbate, Sorsogon, Albay, Camarines Sur Catanduanes, Palawan, Antique, Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo, Guimaras, Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, Nueva Vizcaya, Nueva Ecija, Laguna and Negros Occidental.

The decision was upon the recommendation of the NDRRMC.

However, agencies responsible for basic, vital and health services preparedness and response duties must continue to remain operational, the memo stated.

Localized cancellation of classes and/or work in government offices in other regions may be implemented by their respective local chief executives.

The suspension of work for private companies and offices is left to the discretion of their respective employers.

Meanwhile, the reported deaths include a 15-year-old from Mambajao, Camiguin whose house was hit by a fallen tree, and a 21-year-old man from Mainit, Surigao del Norte, who was also struck by a fallen tree.

Other reported deaths in Northern Mindanao, Mimaropa, the Davao Region, and Caraga are still being validated along with the missing persons in Western Visayas and Metro Manila.