The government said it will go after people whose manhole covers and stole cables connected to a pumping station as several areas in Central Luzon remain under water.

Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said Monday authorities will pursue these persons who stole these essential items.

The Philippine Star on Monday, quoting Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, that manhole covers and cables to run a pumping station were found to have been stolen. He said Coast Guard personnel are now assigned to guard pumping stations.

On Monday, Storycon showed a view of a man who fell into an uncovered manhole during last weekend's rain.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday urged the public to be careful, follow the authorities’ advice, and comply immediately with evacuation orders, if necessary, to ensure their safety.

The President’s message to the people was conveyed by Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro.

“Sa ating mga kababayan, ang mensahe ng Pangulo ay mag-ingat at sumunod sa mga advice ng mga awtoridad. Kung kinakailangang lumikas, sumunod po kayo agad para sa inyong kaligtasan,” Castro said.

“Ang tulong po ay nandiyan at hindi po kayo hahayaang magutom, pati ang mga non-food kits like hygiene kits, sleeping kits, clothing kits, at kitchen kits ay kumpleto pong maibibigay sa inyo,” the Palace Press Officer added.

Castro said that President Marcos led a Monday meeting with the Central Luzon and Metro Manila Response teams, with the participation of officials from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), and Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

She noted that the agencies will provide the President with updates on the recent flooding and come up with necessary measures to extend aid and other support to affected communities.

Last Monday, President Marcos inspected the flooded areas in Bulacan and Pampanga and led a situation briefing with the leaders of both provinces.

The President directed concerned agencies to ensure that food, non-food kits, medicines, and temporary shelters are made available to the affected families.

The short- and long-term solutions to the flooding problem in Pampanga and Bulacan were also discussed during the briefing, with the President asking the agencies to act immediately on the possible remedies. PHS-Presidential News Desk