• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Authorities have ended the almost two weeks of search, rescue, and retrieval operations of missing persons in Negros Island during Typhoon Tino, upon the advice of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
Office of Civil Defense-Negros Island Region (OCD-NIR) director Donato Sermeno III, however, said Nov. 18 that even after the termination of operations Nov. 16, they can continue with it on a case-to-case basis.
For instance, if there is a request from the families of the missing individuals, he added.
The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region has recorded 95 deaths, of whom 92 have already been identified, while 40 others, who are all identified, are still missing.
Sermeno said they are finalizing the list of casualties and missing persons for the reconciliation of data.
The OCD-NIR reported 107 deaths, 62 missing, and 153 injured. | GB
