The number of families affected by the massive flooding in Maguindanao del Sur has reached more than 50,000, according to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).

PDRRMO said at least 12 towns in the province were flooded.

The town of Datu Piang has already been placed under a state of calamity.

PDRRMO is verifying if other towns have also declared a state of calamity.

“Dino-double check pa namin kasi baka yung iba is ang sabi nila nag-declare ng state of calamity, yun pala, wala pang approval from the Sangguniang Bayan, so kailangan muna namin makuha ang copy ng state of calamity ng mga munisipyo,” PDRRMO Assistant Head, Ameer Jehad Ambolodto, said.

The Bangsamoro government intensified its response efforts in flood-affected areas in the province.

Meanwhile, some residents were seen swimming in the stagnant water, which did not subside easily since heavy rains inundated the area in Barangay Pagatin, Datu Salibo.

A resident said that the floodwaters had begun to recede on Tuesday, but another round of downpour on Wednesday afternoon caused the waters to rise again.

“Ginagawa lang nila talaga kasiyahan instead of malungkot sa bahay na maglugmok ay ginagawa nila every afternoon ay naliligo sa labas,” a resident said.

A netizen in Barangay Magaslong, Datu Piang also turned flood woes into fashion fun, transforming the flooded street into a runway.

“Talagang ini-enjoy nalang yung baha dito sa amin siyempre hindi natin siya maaiwasan no, ganun nalng po tawa na lang  po instead na maiyak sa nangyari talaga samin,” another resident added.