Manila: Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua has assured support to over 61,000 families impacted by severe flooding in Maguindanao del Sur, emphasizing that the regional government is actively addressing their needs.

According to Philippines News Agency, Macacua highlighted that the towns of Pagalungan, Datu Montawal, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Datu Piang, Datu Salibo, Sultan sa Barongis, Mangudadatu, and Gen. Salipada K. Pendatun are heavily affected. During a meeting on Monday with local officials, Macacua assessed the flood situation, received reports from disaster responders, and spearheaded the distribution of essential supplies to some 306,000 individuals impacted by the calamity.

The Maguindanao del Sur Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) reported that while most affected families remain in their homes, several others have been evacuated to higher grounds. PDRRMO head Windy Anne Joy Beaty noted that flooding also affected low-lying villages in Ampatuan, Shariff Aguak, Datu Abdullah Sangki, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Paglat, Pandag, and Mamasapano.

Maguindanao del Sur Governor Datu Ali Midtimbang has implemented the provincial board’s recommendation to declare a state of calamity for the entire province, enabling expanded relief efforts for flood victims.

In Buluan town, the flood situation remains critical as patients and their families continue to stay at the provincial capitol building due to persistent floodwaters near the Buluan District Hospital (BDH). Dr. Ariff Baguindali, chief of the Integrated Provincial Health Office-Maguindanao, reported that more than 200 of the 300 patients were evacuated to the provincial capitol after BDH wards and premises were submerged late last week.