Gov't suspends work; no classes in 3 more areas

(Update 12:16 p.m.) Malacañang ordered Friday noon the suspension of work in government offices in Metro Manila effective 1 p.m., while classes at all levels were suspended in three provinces in Central Luzon because of heavy rains. Radio station dzBB reported that Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita issued the order after getting the recommendation of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC). However, agencies directly involved in rescue operations, including the police and military, are not covered by the directive. It was the second time this week the Palace issued such an order. The Palace issued a similar order Wednesday when typhoons "Chedeng" and "Dodong" dumped rains and floods on Metro Manila. Meanwhile, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Friday noon announced that classes in all levels have been suspended in Tarlac, Bulacan and Pampanga, separate radio reports said. Radio stations dzBB and dzMM said OCD deputy administrator Dr Anthony Golez issued the announcement at around lunch time. This brings to 12 the total number of areas wherein classes were suspended. Earlier, authorities suspended classes in Metro Manila, Rizal, Zambales, Bataan, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Occidental Mindoro and Oriental Mindoro. - GMANews.TV