The death toll in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, due to massive flooding triggered by Typhoon Tino last month rose to 23 with the discovery of the decomposing body of another victim in neighboring Moises Padilla town.
Officials on Thursday said two more residents remain missing.
Edna Lhou Masicampo, Canlaon City public information officer, said the latest addition was a 17-year-old girl, whose body was found in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental, Wednesday.
The body, believed to be that of Angel Espora of Barangay Panubigan in Canlaon City, was found at a sugarcane field in Moises Padilla and was already in a state of decomposition.
“Angel is the ninth member of the Espora family to have perished in the unprecedented flooding caused by Typhoon Tino last month,” Masicampo said.
The Canlaon public information office said relatives recognized the girl’s body through the clothing she had on, which remained undamaged.
Scene of the Crime Operatives collected DNA samples from the family and the deceased girl for comparison to officially confirm her identity.
The girl’s remains were returned to Canlaon City, with the local government unit pledging to handle the costs for the wake and funeral.
Meanwhile, residents in the flood-hit areas whose houses were washed out are advised not to rebuild in the original locations as these could be dangerous.
Internally displaced persons are still staying at evacuation camps or with relatives while efforts to rebuild are ongoing.*