MANILA, Philippines - The Presidential Task Force on Mindanao River Basin Rehabilitation yesterday ordered all stakeholders to immediate resolve the right of way issue that is hampering the re-channeling of the Simuay River that overflowed Tuesday, causing widespread flooding in Central Mindanao.
Continuous rains in the past days in Central Mindanao have brought heavy flooding to 10 low-lying barangays in Sultan Kudarat, 21 villages in Cotabato City and several portions of the national highway in Pagkawayan, North Cotabato.
Despite the flooding, over 9,300 families in Sultan Kudarat and Cotabato City have refused to leave their homes.
National Disaster Coordination Council executive officer Glenn Rabonza said all disaster units in the region have been placed on standby for forced evacuation if the situation worsens.