CAGAYAN, PHILIPPINES — In a race against rising floodwaters, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) of Peñablanca sprang into action on July 18, 2025, as the Pinacanauan River swelled due to continuous rains.
The joint team quickly carried out a successful evacuation operation, moving residents to safety at Patagueleg Elementary School, which now serves as a temporary evacuation center. The effort was led by the PCG’s Deployable Response Group (DRG) stationed in Peñablanca, working hand in hand with the local MDRRMO to prevent casualties and ensure the protection of vulnerable communities.
This emergency response was carried out under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., emphasizing the national government’s proactive stance in disaster preparedness and community resilience. Thanks to swift coordination and ground-level readiness, families living near the river were moved before the situation could escalate further.
“Our main goal is always the safety of our people,” said one of the responders on the ground. “When the waters started rising, we knew we had to move fast—and we did.”
The Pinacanauan River, known to swell rapidly during heavy downpours, has long posed a flooding risk to nearby communities. However, with trained personnel and clearly defined evacuation plans in place, the teams were able to minimize the impact and prevent potential tragedy.
As the weather remains unpredictable due to the effects of the southwest monsoon and Severe Tropical Storm Crising, the PCG continues to monitor river levels and remains on standby for further developments.
This coordinated rescue serves as a reminder of how preparedness, collaboration, and quick action can save lives—especially when disaster strikes without warning.
