Manila, Sept. 8 -- Village officials of Ambuklao in Bokod, Benguet, have appealed to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to order the immediate dredging of the Upper Agno River and construction of flood-control projects to address the community's growing flood risk.

Ambuklao Barangay Captain Reynaldo Tello said in a letter to Marcos that continuing sediment buildup has reduced the river's capacity to carry water safely.

"Whenever strong typhoons and prolonged rainfall occur, the water level rises rapidly, placing nearby homes, properties, farms and the lives of residents at serious risk," Tello said in the letter, which was received by the Office of the President on Aug. 25. A copy was circulated to the media this week.

The village is ho...