Metro evacuees returning to their homes

MANILA, Philippines - Majority of Metro Manila’s families displaced by storm “Ondoy” last Sept. 26 have returned to their homes, Metro police chief Director Roberto Rosales said yesterday.

From a high of 83,000 evacuees sheltered by the government in more than 80 evacuation centers in Metro Manila the first week after Ondoy struck, Rosales said only some 20,000 remain in covered courts and the Philsports arena in Pasig City.

“Some residents, especially those from Marikina City and Pasig City, have returned to their homes after floodwaters subsided and the government declared that it is safe for them to go home,” said Rosales in an interview.

The local government of Marikina City also relocated at least 200 local residents to the government’s housing program in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

Those who continue to stay in evacuation centers are displaced families from Taguig City, Pateros and Muntinlupa City, whose homes are still underwater.

Despite this positive development, Rosales said the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) remains on full alert as he called for the continued deployment of uniformed policemen, including the six temporary outposts in Marikina City and Pasig City, to ensure that peace and order prevails in evacuation centers and areas badly hit by Ondoy.

“We are also tightening security in evacuation centers amid reports that displaced families are fighting over relief goods,” Rosales added. “We are patrolling the streets to prevent criminals from taking advantage of the situation.”

The government is taking care of the welfare of the evacuees and Rosales said they are doing their share by protecting them against criminal elements and unscrupulous individuals.

Rosales said government doctors and health workers are continuously doing the rounds of evacuation centers for a routine check on all types of diseases, especially dengue.

Dengue is transmitted by a type of mosquito that is active during the day.