Five people died when a shuttle van was swept away by raging floodwaters amid heavy rains from the shear line in Aborlan town on Sunday night. Authorities confirmed the fatalities on Tuesday.
The victims included Michelle Acayan, 34, and two young boys, ages six and nine, who were the sons of the van driver, Jamal Nasad. Their bodies were recovered in different areas of Barangay Inagawan on Monday, according to Jerry Alili, head of the Palawan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).
At the time of the incident, the van was carrying 12 passengers. Seven passengers survived and are now recovering in the hospital.
State of calamity declared
In response to the devastating flooding, the Puerto Princesa City government declared a state of calamity. The heavy rainfall affected 24 barangays, displacing more than 3,000 residents. At least 1,000 farmers suffered losses, with nearly 800 hectares of farmland submerged.
Flooding also struck Baco town in Oriental Mindoro, where over 11,000 families were affected. Authorities reported agricultural damages totaling nine million pesos.
Rescue and relief operations are ongoing as disaster response teams monitor the situation. Authorities have warned of continued heavy rainfall due to the shear line, which occurs when warm and cold air masses meet. Residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas are urged to stay alert and follow evacuation advisories.