5 dead as 'Ofel' moves away from Philippines

MANILA (Updated 11:16 a.m.) -- At least five people were reported dead after Tropical Storm "Ofel" barreled through the country and dumped rains in several parts of Luzon and Visayas, the state disaster agency said Friday.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) identified the new casualties as Rigel Saycon from Cebu City and Roberto Manongsong from Batangas City who both drowned.

A certain Olive Luna of Oriental Mindoro was also reported dead while Solustiano Fabellon, 77, of Romblon was hit by a fallen tree.

The NDRMMC earlier reported that Sophia Recto, 88, of Marinduque allegedly died of hypothermia.

Nine people are still missing while 10 others were injured, most of whom figured in a vehicular accident in Sariaya, Quezon.

Ofel has affected a total of 2,278 families or 10,935 persons while a total of 11,804 passengers are still stranded in various ports and terminals in the country as of Thursday evening.

Some 156 trucks and cars, 37 passenger buses, 379 rolling cargoes, 25 vessels and 12 motor bancas were also reported stranded.

The NDRRMC also said an estimated amount of P4.458 million in damages in agriculture was reported in the Bicol Region.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Ofel's center was spotted 320 kilometers west of Iba, Zambales.

It is packed with maximum sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph.

Pagasa said Ofel continues to move away from the country and is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility today, Friday.

The state weather bureau added that several areas in Luzon including Metro Manila will experience cloudy skies with rain showers and thunderstorms. (Emmanuel Louis Bacani/Sunnex)