Manila execs mulling options for 20,000 'estero residents'

Anticipating more cyclones, Manila officials are mulling options for some 20,000 informal settlers living along the city's "esteros" (estuary or waterway). Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim on Wednesday admitted they could not immediately move these residents unless the city government finds a relocation site for them. In an interview over radio dwIZ, Lim said these residents will be at risk when cyclones as powerful as "Pedring" (international name: Nesat) hit the Manila area. While "Pedring" was expected to exit Philippine territory on Wednesday, several other cyclones — including tropical storm "Nalgae" (to be codenamed "Quiel" once inside Philippine territory) — are expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility. On Tuesday, the Manila city government forcibly evacuated several families from high-risk areas including Isla Puting Bato and Parola 1 and 2, which are near Manila Bay. Lim said the families were temporarily transferred to the Del Pan Sports Complex, and then to the Pedro Guevarra Elementary School.
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV Danger zones Lim said there are still some residents in areas in Manila considered as danger zones. The city government's priority now is to coordinate with the National Housing Authority in providing these residents with a place where they could transfer. "Hindi pa (ito) relocated, tapos walang ma-transfer-an. May coordination sa NHA pero ang inuunang bigyan ng priority ang sa estero," he said. - VVP, GMA News