#MarioPH force banks to close branches in flooded areas

MANILA, Philippines – Several banks closed its branches on Friday, September 19, as Tropical Storm Mario (Fung-Wong) caused flooding in parts of Luzon.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) and Philippine Bank of Communications (PBCOM) closed all its branches in Metro Manila.

Other banks, including BDO Unibank Inc remained open on Friday but on shorter hours. Its branches in Quezon City, Manila, Caloocan, Ortigas, and Rizal, though, were closed. 

“Unaffected branches, meanwhile, are operating on normal banking hours. BDO ATMs and electronic channels are also operational,” BDO said in its advisory.

PBCOM said in an advisory that it had closed all its branches and banking offices in Metro Manila on Friday, citing inclement weather and flooding.

Citing the directives of local bankers association directives, PBCOM laso closed its branches in San Fernando, Angeles, Malolos, Meycauayan and Batangas branches beginning Friday noon.

“We expect further closures in Luzon as the typhoon continues on its course; however, PBCOM branches in Visayas and Mindanao remain open for business. Likewise, our nationwide ATM network, including Metro Manila is available to service clients’ transactional needs,” it said.

The Philippine unit of Malaysia’s largest bank, Malayan Banking Berhad (Maybank), shortened its banking hours for its branches in Bonifacio Global City, Resorts World, and in South Luzon, except for Puerto Princesa in Palawan and Bicol, and opened only until 3 pm.

Its North Luzon branches, except those in San Fernando, Meycauayan, Hagonoy, and Tarlac, were open until 4 pm.

Meanwhile, Maybank’s Dumaguete, Maxims Hotel (groundfloor), Guagua, and Malabon ATM units were closed.

A state of calamity was declared on Friday, September 19, in Marikina City, Pangasinan, Rizal, and Cebu City where heavy rains and floods were caused by a combination of Tropical Storm Mario and the southwest monsoon.

The Philippine Stock Exchange suspended operations Friday morning, after the  the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) announced it was suspending clearing operations following a Palace order suspending work in government offices in areas affected by the tropical storm. – Rappler.com