Antique: Twelve local government units (LGUs) in Antique suspended classes as of noon on Wednesday due to the southwest monsoon enhanced by Typhoon Francisco. Antique Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) chief Broderick Train stated in an interview that the province encountered significant rains, which led to the suspension.
According to Philippines News Agency, the LGUs that suspended classes include Patnongon, Anini-y, Sibalom, Caluya, Tobias Fornier, Bugasong, San Remigio, Belison, Valderrama, Tibiao, Barbaza, and San Jose de Buenavista. The suspension affects both public and private schools from preschool to senior high school.
Train mentioned that major rivers in Antique, such as the Sibalom River, are under close observation, though water levels have not yet reached a critical point. He advised residents to refrain from crossing rivers due to the potential for sudden flash floods and urged them to monitor areas susceptible to landslides and flooding.
Monitoring efforts indicate that the Antique to Iloilo mountainside route and the national road from the southern to the northern part of Antique remain passable. The Department of Public Works and Highways - Antique Engineering District has personnel ready for clearing operations in the event of a landslide.
Commuters are advised to exercise caution when traveling along the national highway due to the ongoing rain. While there are currently no preemptive evacuations, Train confirmed that both provincial and municipal personnel are prepared to respond if the situation escalates.
