Justice Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano on Friday disclosed that the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) temporarily placed its technical divers on standby due to heavy rains.

In a message, Clavano said, “On or about 18 July at 9:29 in the morning, Coast Guard underwater search operations utilizing its tech divers and ROV was temporarily placed on standby due to continuous rainfall and surface runoff from the near river."

Clavano added that elevated turbidity levels significantly reduced underwater visibility, resulting in unfavorable conditions for the conduct of any diving operations.

He said an update will be given shortly.