Bacoor under state of calamity

CAMP VICENTE LIM – Bacoor City in Cavite has been placed under a state of calamity after 63 of its 73 barangays were affected by flooding due to Tropical Depression Inday.

The Sangguniang Panglungsod approved on Wednesday a resolution declaring a state of calamity, Jovener Tupilas of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD)Calabarzon said yesterday.

Tupilas said Barangays Niyog and Anibanas as well as portions of Bacoor Boulevard and Aguinaldo Highway remain submerged in floodwater.

“We don’t have a complete report from the city disaster risk reduction and management officer on the total number of barangays which remain flooded as well as the situation of evacuees,” Tupilas pointed out. Mayor Lani MercadoEvaristo Revilla said more than 30 families in Barangay San Nicolas 11 are staying in evacuation centers.

Mercado and Vice Mayor Karen led the distribution of relief goods to affected residents yesterday.

On Tuesday, the Sangguniang Bayan of Naic also in Cavite placed 12 barangays under a state of calamity after heavy rains spawned by the southwest monsoon and Tropical Storm Henry caused massive flooding.

The OCD identified the barangays as Labac, Mabulo, Bancaan, Bagong Karsada, Bucana Malaki, Sapa, Bucana Sasahan, Munting Mapino, Timalan Balsahan, Timalan Concepcion, Balsahan and Latoria.

Local government units under a state of calamity can immediately access their calamity funds for relief and rehabilitation.

Under Republic Act 7581 or the Price Act, a price freeze on basic commodities should be implemented in areas under a state of calamity for at least 60 days. Those found selling their goods above the prevailing price face fines and imprisonment.