Mayor Rolando Uy on Monday ordered village officials here to take the initiative in clearing their rivers and creeks of settlers to avoid any deaths that may occur in case of flooding.

“The barangay officials are the first visible and available leaders on the ground, and they should be the first to prohibit any people from settling in their creeks and rivers if they do value protecting human life,” Uy said after swearing in officers of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) in his office, led by reelectionist president Yan Lam Lim.

Before the oathtaking, Uy reminded the ABC officials to implement barangay empowerment projects for their constituents to ensure continued support from the local government.

Uy noted that some barangays in the city are either flood-prone or have neglected creeks which can be classified as danger zones.

“It is the primary duty of any barangay captain to prohibit the occupation of (these flood-prone or disaster-prone areas),” Uy said.

Classes were suspended in CDO on Monday due to Tropical Depression Kabayan. It has weakened as of the 5 p.m. bulletin and all Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals have been lifted. (PNA)

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