BY FELIPE CELINO
ROXAS City — A casual employee of the municipality of Dumarao died when Tropical Storm “Ofel” hit the province.
The victim was identified as Napoleon Gonzalez, 49, of Brgy. Codingle, Dumarao.
Gonzalez was on his way to catch fish in a river in the village when a tree fell on him, said Esperedion Pelaez, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) action officer.
His head hit a rock, resulting to a severe injury. He died while being taken to the Dumarao Health Center, Pelaez said.
At 11 a.m. yesterday, this city and Capiz province were experiencing scattered rain showers.
Two villages were flooded — Agkilo in Panitan and Bangon-bangon in Sigma.
Seven families from Brgy. Punta Cogon here were evacuated to the barangay’s elementary school on Wednesday amid the strong wind and rain, but returned home the following day, City Engineer Ardelei Ambrosio told reporters.
Gov. Victor Tanco yesterday declared the cancellation of classes in all levels in the province after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geographical and Astronomical Services Administration placed Capiz and Roxas City under Storm Signal No. 2.
It is up to the local chief executives and heads of private offices whether or not they will suspend work, he said.
Chief Petty Officer Emmanuel Dacucon, assistant station commander of Philippine Coast Guard – Roxas, cancelled the trips of sea vessels and fishing boats.
