Residents refuse to evacuate despite the 2nd Alarm on the Marikina river

Locals living near the Marikina River on Friday saw no need to seek temporary shelter in evacuation centers , despite the second alarm being raised on the river.

According to a report on GMA 7 news program "24 Oras", a second alarm called for preemptive evacuations, and even with emergency services making the rounds of affected neighborhoods, residents still refused to leave their homes.

According to Barangay Malanday Captain Mark James Alfonso, some of his constituents believed they could judge the right moment to evacuate.

"Alam na nila 'yung gagawin nila. Hindi na kailangan paalalahanan kusa ng pupunta ng evacuation center," Alfonso said.

Authorities also told residents in Barangay Tumana, including those who lived right at the river bank, to be prepared to evacuate.

"Umaalis kami diyan 'pag ala, namin na delikado na kami sa taas," one local argued. "'Pag humupa na, bababa  na uli kami. kasi ang reason, wala naman kaming matirhan at 'yung mga hayop namin, ayaw namin ipagkatiwala kahit kanino."

Nevertheless, Marikina City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council head Dave David reiterated that evacuation centers were available to all residents.

The Marikina NDRRMC was keep a close watch on the Marikina River's level, inspite of the the river alert being lowered to the First Alarm at 6 p.m. — Margaret Claire Layug/DVM, GMA News