ISLAMABAD, Aug 13 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- The Philippines suspended government work and classes across Metro Manila and several surrounding provinces Thursday afternoon as persistent heavy rains from the southwest monsoon continued to affect large parts of the country, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported, citing local media.
Government work and classes at all levels in public and private schools were suspended from 3 pm local time (0700GMT) in the National Capital Region and 11 provinces, including Zambales, Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, Laguna, and Quezon, according to GMA News Online.
The decision followed a recommendation from the Philippines’ National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council due to continuous heavy rainfall associated with the southwest monsoon, locally known as Habagat.
Government agencies providing health, disaster response, and other essential services were ordered to remain operational, while decisions on private-sector work suspensions were left to employers.
The disruption came as authorities revised the death toll from the combined effects of the southwest monsoon and recent tropical cyclones.
The Philippine National Police said Thursday that 25 people had died, including one police officer, according to the Inquirer.
Police had previously reported 26 deaths but lowered the figure after verifying reports submitted by regional units.
-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU
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