Ubial denies reports 59 Marawi refugees have died in evacuation centers

Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial on Sunday denied reports attributed to her that more than 50 refugees in Marawi City have died due to various illnesses.

"Sir, mali po report nila madaming nagkakasakit. Cases are going down. Of 638 that sought consultations last week, only 300 admitted, wala pong deaths," presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said, reading Ubial's message over state-run Radyo ng Bayan.

Ubial's statement added: "Kung meron daw po silang alam na sick na mga bakwit ipatingin lang po sa mga health centers."

A report by state-run Philippine News Agency (PNA) quoting Ubial said 59 refugees from Marawi City have died.

The report said 19 of the fatalities died inside evacuation centers.

The PNA also quoted Ubial as saying: “The 40 evacuees staying outside the evacuation centers died of dehydration."

The PNA report said Ubial made the statement during his visit in Legazpi City for the 7th ASEAN Dengue Day celebration.

The PNA also reported that according to Ubial, 20,627 people or 4,249 families who fled Marawi City were staying in 68 evacuation centers in Iligan City and other areas in Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte and Misamis Oriental, particularly in Cagayan de Oro City. —ALG, GMA News