6 residents still missing in Calamba, Laguna

Six residents are still missing in Calamba, Laguna after Tropical Depression Maring pounded the province with heavy rains and strong winds.

In a "24 Oras" report by GMA News' Chino Gaston on Tuesday, Jesmaine Mina, who works in Metro Manila, was deeply worried as her three children, aged five, three and one, were nowhere to be found.

The family lives near Cristobal River in Calamba, Laguna.

"Natangay daw po sila ng baha. Five po 'yung isa 'tas three years old. Birthday niya ngayon eh. Saka one and a half," Jesmaine said, adding that the children were with their father when the incident happened.

Meanwhile, Goeffrey Monghe recalled that they were clinging on the trunk of a banana tree when his children fell off.

"Ang dala ko apat na bata, 'yung dalawa ho nalaglag na lang pagsalpok namin sa tulay eh. Tinangay na ho kami ng agos, nakasakay ho kami sa puno ng saging," Goeffrey said.

The rescuers said it was difficult for them to find the missing persons because of the heavy flow of water.

"Napakahirap ngayong maghanap ng tao... ng mga nawawala kasi sa laki ng tubig. Lagpas don sa may ibabaw ng ano... hagip don sa may tulay na 'yon," one of the rescuers said.

The report said about 2,000 residents were affected by the floods. One hundred families were brought to two evacuation centers.

"Kailangan may makain sila ngayon. Ang barangay namin continuous din naman nagluluto. Una natin lugaw muna at least madaling lutuin. Ang plano ni Mayor eh magkaron ng pabahay," said Rodney Perez, chairman of Barangay Parian.

The report added that floods were experienced by some residents in the town of Calamba.

Some of the main thoroughfares in Santa Rosa and San Pedro were also flooded, which aused traffic congestion. Portions of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) were also affected as only one lane was used by motorists.

Some residents, who left their homes are staying in Liliw town.

In the town of Mabitac, residents had to face knee-deep floods.

Tropical Depression Maring has been spotted over the coast of Zambales on Tuesday night, with weather signals still up in five areas in Luzon.

"Maring" is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Wednesday night or Thursday morning. — Anna Felicia Bajo/BAP, GMA News