PAGADIAN CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 31, 2013) – Army troops evacuated close to 1000 villagers after heavy rains flooded Thursday several areas in Zamboanga del Norte province in the southern Philippines, officials said.
General Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, commander of 1st Infantry Division, said he directed army commanders to closely monitor the situation in the province, particularly the town of Polanco which was worst hit by flash floods.
“I directed military commanders in the area to closely monitor the situation and deploy with caution, more army rescue teams for rescue operations when necessary,” he said.
He said soldiers from the 101st Infantry Brigade under Colonel Amadeo Azul, Jr. rescued close to 1000 people from flooded villages and brought them to safer areas.
Floodwaters reached as high as one meter in some areas, Cruz said. (Mindanao Examiner. Ely Dumaboc)
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