• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Classes in all levels in 16 towns and cities of Negros Occidental were suspended yesterday due to heavy rainfall warning issued by state weather PAGASA.
Classes were suspended in the cities of Bacolod, Sipalay, Silay, Talisay, Kabankalan and Himamylan, as well as in municipalities of Pontevedra, EB Magalona, Hinigaran, Don Salvador Benedicto, Hinobaan, Isabela, Moises Padilla, Murcia and Binalbagan.
Until today, classes remain suspended in Bacolod, Talisay, Silay, EB Magalona and Murcia.
However, work in government offices in EB Magalona will continue, Mayor Marvin Malacon said.
Malacon alerted town residents, especially those residing in low-lying areas, of possible flooding and landslide in mountainous areas.
Preemptive evacuations were also initiated, with 12 families in Sitio Dung-e, Brgy. Camindangan, Sipalay City, and three families in Don Salvador Benedicto.
Signal No. 1 has been lifted by state weather bureau PAGASA in several areas in Luzon, as Typhoon Betty continues to move away from the country.*
