Coast Guard reaches Alcala, Cagayan for rescue ops, but 2 already died

The Philippine Coast Guard resumed its rescue operations on Sunday in Cagayan areas affected by the massive flooding resulting from Typhoon Ulysses’ onslaught.

In Alcala, Cagayan, PCG personnel were able to rescue some stranded residents but two already died.

“Kaninang umaga, along the way, may na-recover silang dalawang cadavers—isang lalaki na 49-year old at isang babae po na 45-year old,” PCG spokesperson Commodore Armand Balilo said in an interview on Dobol B sa News TV.

According to Balilo, the PCG designated 120 personnel from its headquarters to take over to give provincial personnel a rest after conducting operations since the start of the calamity.

The PCG also deployed 41 rubber boats for the operation.

“Doon sa mga nagsasabing, hindi nag-prepare: Nag-prepare po tayo. Talaga lang pong may mga challenges pagdating sa pagkilos again sa natural calamity kaya po medyo natatagaalan minsan,” Balilo said.

On Saturday in Tuguegarao City, PCG personnel spotted a goat and a dog on a rooftop apparently left by their owner during the flooding.

The animals were rescued by the PCG, transported on an aluminum boat then were brought to an evacuation center.

In Amulung, Alcala, Lal-lo, and Gattaran, residents on rooftops were evacuated via chopper on Saturday.

Cagayan has been placed under a state of calamity due to the massive flooding from Ulysses, aggravated by the release of waters from Magat Dam. — with Joviland Rita/KG/RSJ, GMA News