The Sangguniang Panlunsod of Caloocan City has approved a resolution placing the city under the state of calamity and gave Mayor Enrico “Recom’’ Echiverri the power to use the calamity funds following the disaster brought about by heavy monsoon rains.
Based on Resolution No. 1993-2012, which was unanimously signed by members of the city council, it allows Echiverri to use the calamity funds for relief, rehabilitation, reconstruction and medical services of the city and its residents.
“There is a need for the city government to immediately respond to the damage caused by torrential rains by releasing the calamity fund to restore order in the city and help the families gravely affected by such disaster,” the city council said.
The same resolution said: The calamity fund shall specifically be used for rehabilitation of infrastructure facilities, reliefs, purchase of medicines, medical supplies and for related purposes.”
The city council earlier had called for a special session to discuss the calamity in the area last Aug. 9.
Local police chief Senior Supt. Jude Wilson Santos said the continuous rains resulted in the death of some residents. They were identified as one Dexter Esmali of Bagong Silang and Irene Cubarubias, 4, of Barangay 182.
Esmali was hit by an electric post while Cubarubias drowned, the city police chief said.
Four persons, identified only as one Rodolfo, his children Arlene, 4, and  Laida, 6, and Jerome Naval, 17, of Phase 10, Bagong Silang, are still missing.
Based on the report of Caloocan City Social Welfare Department, some 10,489 families affected by the monsoon rains were evacuated and transferred to 56 evacuation centers due to the torrential rains.
Meanwhile, President  Aquino went to the city and distributed relief goods to the affected residents with the mayor and other key city officials assisting him.
Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas president and Councilor Ricojudge “RJ” Echiverri urged barangay officials to coordinate with the local government on the relief and other services for affected families.