Don't hesitate to call hotline '117' - DILG

Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo on Friday urged the public to call the government's emergency hotline "117" if they need assistance because of the heavy rains and floods triggered by Tropical Storm Falcon (international code name Meari). Robredo assured the public about the rescue preparedness of their attached agencies like the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection, as well as the Metro Manila Development Authority and the Department of Public Works and Highways. “All you have to do is dial our hotline number ‘117’ so that we can immediately dispatch our emergency and rescue units and coordinate with the local [rescue personnel] and other concerned agencies to where you are and assist you," Robredo said in a statement. In its latest count, the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) said over 32,000 families (or almost 167,000 people) Metro Manila and nearby provinces have been affected by the heavy rains and flooding. In its latest advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Falcon continued to move away from the Philippines toward Japan and could be out of Philippine territory by Saturday. Falcon, over the last few days, has dumped a huge amount of rains and caused floods in several part of Luzon including Metro Manila, and forcing many residents to take shelter in evacuation centers. On Thursday evening, thousands of commuters in Metro Manila were stranded on the streets due to widespread flooding. Several flights of Cebu Pacific were likewise cancelled Friday due to the bad weather condition over at Metro Manila, where the Ninoy Aquino International Airport is located. Classes in Metro Manila and other provinces in Luzon have been suspended on Friday due to Falcon, even as work in government was cut short mid-day and government employees were sent home. - VVP, GMA News