BALANGA CITY– Bataan literally was spared from the wrath of Ruby. Although placed under Signal No. 3 and downgraded later to No. 2, only moderate winds and light rains were experienced from Monday night to Tuesday dawn in most parts of the province.
On the whole day of Tuesday, merely rain showers prevailed. “Maraming salamat sa Diyos,” said senior citizens Juanita Evora and Telek Bugay of Sta. Lucia, Samal town. Geofrey Loyola, chief of the Bataan Capitol’s Management and Information System, said the supertyphoon- turned-tropical- storm inflicted no damage to both property and people from 11 towns and one city.
Loyola, also spokesman of Gov. Albert S. Garcia, said pre-emptive evacuations were made in coastal villages. As of Monday night, more than 9,000 persons were placed in different evacuation centers. “Noong Martes ng umaga, halos 400 tao na lamang ang naiwan a evacuation center ng Limay at Orionat pagsapit ng hapon ay nag-uwian na rin,”
Loyola said. Gov. Garcia on Monday announced that manpower, equipment and relief goods are ready in Bataan inpreparation for Ruby. The governor suspended classes in all levels, both public and private, in the whole province Monday and Tuesday.
Workers were rushing the repacking of relief goods consisting of three kilos of rice, canned goods and coffee per pack at the National Food Authority warehouse in Balanga City. Tess Senora, chief of the Office of CivilDefense said personnel and rescue equipment ere ready.
She showed two of three rubber boats, two ambulances and various equipment for rescue operations. She said that dumptrucks and other equipment from the Department of Public Works And Highways, provincial engineering office, Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army were prepared. “Personnel and equipment are ready any time,” Senora said.
