3 killed, 3 missing in Maring-triggered floods in Philippines

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - At least three people have died and three others reported missing in floods triggered by tropical storm Trami (local name Maring) in Metro Manila and nearby provinces since Friday.

According to a report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), one of the victims, Franco Pedrito Cawayan, died in a traffic accident at the height of the heavy rains in Cabugao, a municipality in northern province of Ilocos Sur on Sunday afternoon. Nine others were injured in the incident. Two others died in Tanza, Cavite province, when a dike gave in today morning.  

NDRRMC Executive Director and concurrent Office of Civil Defense Administrator Eduardo del Rosario said three are missing, including a tourist who was trapped at the Sumaguing Cave in Sagada, Mt. Province.

Laguna and Cavite provinces, the most affected regions, were placed under a state of calamity as waters were rising fast. Many other provinces in Luzon and low-lying areas in Metro Manila were submerged by floods. Nine landslides occurred in Abra province.

As a result, classes at school of all levels were suspended in Metro Manila, Pangasinan, Benguet, Bataan, Zambales, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, Ilocos Norte, La Union, Tarlac, Cavite and Ilocos Sur.

Executive Secretary Pacquito Ochoa presided over a meeting at the NDRRMC to check on the preparedness of the concerned agencies. He asked the public to stay at home as much as possible because the flooding has not totally receded.  

The Trade Department announced today that the price of basic commodities would be frozen in areas and provinces identified as under the state of calamity. Basic commodities cover foods like rice, noodles, sardines, bread and milk.  

The Trade Department also warned retailers and sellers to refrain from jacking prices as they will be liable for predatory pricing.