MANILA — The official tally of those who died from tropical storm Sendong is 1,171, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on Monday (December 26) said.

In its 6 a.m. update, the NDRRMC also said that 1,079 remain missing while 4,594 were injured. Those who were rescued or have survived were 441. As many as 150 more bodies were recovered in Iligan City on December 24.

A total of 39,437 houses were damaged, 12,525 of which were totally damaged. The estimated cost of damages to infrastructure, agriculture and school buildings have amounted to more than PhP1 billion.

President Aquino has created a task force that will investigate the devastating flashfloods and identity those accountable.

At the same time, the President said he expects the newly appointed governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to curb illegal logging in the region that causes flashfloods and disasters.

The President said he wants the fact-finding team to come up with a report soon so his administration can take action. He told reporters that he would be displeased if the investigation takes more than three months. The investigation will focus on Cagayan de Oro, Iligan City and Dumaguete City, the President said, adding that other areas will likewise be included.