Authorities rescued 19 Badjao individuals, including several children and a 4-month-old infant, after they became trapped beneath Tumagbok Bridge in Miag-ao, Iloilo, due to continuous heavy rainfall and flooding early Saturday.
The rescue operation was conducted between midnight and 1 a.m. on July 11 after rising floodwaters stranded the group beneath the bridge.
According to Miag-ao Mayor Richard Garin, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) led the operation with assistance from the Miag-ao Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, and the Philippine Army.
Video released by the mayor showed several Badjao children shivering from the cold while riding in a rescue vehicle after being evacuated from the flooded area.
All 19 individuals were safely rescued and transported to an evacuation center, where they received relief assistance from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office.
Local authorities said the evacuees were provided with immediate aid following the operation.
The local government continues to monitor the condition of the rescued individuals, as well as other residents who may be affected by the persistent bad weather.
No injuries or fatalities were reported during the rescue operation.
Authorities have not released additional details about the identities of those rescued.
The rescue was carried out as parts of Iloilo experienced continuous rainfall that caused flooding in low-lying areas, prompting emergency responders to conduct operations for affected residents.
Officials urged the public to remain alert as inclement weather continues and assured residents that monitoring and response efforts remain in place for communities vulnerable to flooding.
Emergency response teams remain on standby to assist residents should weather conditions worsen.
