4 dead; 1 still missing in Bicol

By Connie Destura LEGAZPI CITY--- Four were reported killed and 1 person remains missing in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Urduja that hit Bicol over the weekend, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) said on Tuesday. Director Claudio Yucot of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) who also serves as RDRRMC chairperson said that as of the latest count, 4 people have died either from drowning, landslides, and electrocution, or being hit by fallen trees and electric post. Yucot said Masbate had the biggest number of casualties with 3 deaths and one from Camarines Norte. The victims were identified as Ginalyn B. Alicante, 42, of Palanas (Masbate) town; Broderick C. Piadopo,24, also from Palanas; Joana A. Lasala, 25, of Masbate City and Conchita Nequita, 58, of Labo, Camarines Norte. Still missing is Sheryl Mirasol of Libmanan, Camarines Sur. Floodings in various parts of Masbate and Camarines provinces have subsided, Yucot said. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said all major highways going to Metro Manila are now passable to both heavy and light vehicles. Flights from Manila to Legazpi and vice versa resumed yesterday (Dec. 20). All classes in private and public elementary and high schools in six provinces in Bicol have also resumed.