The combined effects of Typhoon Inday and the enhanced southwest monsoon, locally known as Habagat, have claimed the lives of 18 people, left seven others injured, and 12 missing, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).
OCD Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV said most of the fatalities were reported in Malapatan, Sarangani. Five deaths were recorded in Lanao del Sur, while two were reported in Bukidnon.
Authorities continue to validate reports involving missing persons in areas affected by the severe weather.
Landslides were identified as the primary cause of most of the reported fatalities, particularly in Sarangani, where continuous rainfall triggered slope failures.
The OCD reported that more than 562,000 people nationwide have been affected by Typhoon Inday and the enhanced southwest monsoon.
Earlier reports from the agency also showed that thousands of families were forced to evacuate due to flooding and landslides caused by the persistent rains.
More than 2,900 families, or nearly 11,000 individuals, remain temporarily sheltered in evacuation centers.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has prepositioned 4.7 million family food packs across various parts of the country to support relief operations for affected communities.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Philippine Coast Guard remain on red alert and are prepared to assist local government units in disaster response efforts.
Authorities continue to monitor weather conditions, assess damage, and validate reports of casualties and missing persons.
The OCD urged the public to remain vigilant, monitor official weather advisories, and follow evacuation orders issued by local authorities as response and relief operations continue in affected areas.
