3 dead, hundreds displaced as 'Habagat' floods Luzon

MANILA, Philippines - Three people have been confirmed killed due to floods caused by torrential rains spawned by the storm-enhanced southwest monsoon in Luzon.

The first fatality was identified by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) as Franco Pedrito Cawayan, 30, who died after a jeep he was riding figured in an accident in Apayao on Sunday afternoon. Nine others were hurt in the road mishap.

Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla, meanwhile, identified the two other fatalities as Jonnie Gonzales, 15 and Jonel Gampan, 34. Both victims were swept by a flashflood following the collapse of a water dam in Barangay Tres Cruses in Tanza town in the province.

Remulla identified the two fatalities as he clarified earlier reports that the two victims were schoolchildren. He also clarified that the two fatalities were not relatives.

The NDRRMC has also reported that two persons have been reported missing.

The missing victims were Rosalinda Calantay, 30, who was swept by the strong current while crossing Damangil River in Barangay Amtuagan, Tubo municipality, Abra and Monching Bakida, 20, who attempted to cross the Chiko River at Sitio Pampang, Barangay Samoki, Bontoc, Mountain Province.

Meanwhile, the agency said said that 28 tourists who were trapped inside the flooded Sumaguing Cave in Sagada, Mt. Province have been rescued. They were brought to the Theodore District Hospital to be treated for minor injuries.

A large part of Luzon was hit by torrential rains since Sunday as Tropical Storm "Maring" continued to enhance the southwest monsoon.

Classes and work in several areas in the island region were suspended due to fears of severe flooding.

The NDRRMC reported that a total of 559 families or 2,588 persons have been affected by the torrential rains in Ilocos, Metro Manila and the Cordillera Administrative Region.

Remulla, meanwhile, reported that at least 20,000 residents of the towns of Kawit, Imus, Noveleta, Tanza and Rosario have been evacuated due to massive flooding in Cavite.