Close to 6,000 families affected by Tropical Storm "Enteng" in five towns in Rizal province were still staying in evacuation centers as of Friday morning, Sept. 6, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr. said.
As of 6 a.m., a total of 5,973 families or 10,888 individuals were still being served in 112 temporary shelters in Morong, Teresa, Cainta, Rodriguez and San Mateo.
Meanwhile, Abalos cited that all the concerned local chief executives (LCE) "really exerted their efforts" with 100 percent of them physically present in their respective area of responsibility during the onslaught of the typhoon.
He issued the statement as President Marcos Jr. presided over a situation briefing on the effects of tropical storm “Enteng” and the enhanced southwest monsoon at the Ynares Events Center in Antipolo City, Rizal.
In a Facebook post, the DILG disclosed that as of Sept. 6, the Rizal Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) reported at least 12 deaths, three missing individuals and five injured due to flooding and landslides caused by Enteng and exacerbated by the prevailing southwest monsoon.
Earlier, Abalos stressed that the public should anticipate and be prepared for any eventuality as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned that three more weather disturbances may hit the country every month before the end of the year.
On orders of President Marcos Jr., Abalos personally distributed thousands of food packs to the residents of Camaligan and Canaman towns both in Camarines Sur, and also to affected families in Naga City.
He then related that the President gave specific instructions for them to prioritize the handing of assistance to the residents of areas severely affected by "Enteng."
In the said visit, Abalos told the public to be vigilant and conduct pre-emptive evacuations before typhoons could hit their areas.
“Kung kailangang lumikas, lumikas na kayo (If there is a need to evacuate, then evacuate right away),” Abalos pointed out.