MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued Saturday Proclamation 728, declaring Nov. 4 as a Day of National Mourning, in memory of the lives lost during the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Trami).
“The nation deeply mourns this tragic loss, and joins the families and loved ones of our departed brothers and sisters in this moment of immense sorrow,” he said in the proclamation. The President also asked all Filipinos to offer prayers for those who lost their lives in the tragedy.
The proclamation was issued “in solidarity with the bereaved families and loved ones of those who perished due to the devastation brought by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.”
Flags will fly half-mast in all government buildings and installations across the country and abroad on Monday, from sunrise to sunset, in accordance with Republic Act (RA) 8941, also known as the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, and following the issuance of Proclamation 728.
RA 8941 stipulates that the national flag shall be flown at half-mast on all buildings and places where it is displayed as a sign of mourning during tragedies of national significance, as ordered by the Office of the President.
Kristine brought torrential rains and violent winds, from Oct. 21 to 25, that triggered widespread flooding and landslides, killing at least 145 people. Several others were hurt and some remain missing.
Kristine also caused devastation to property, agriculture, and critical infrastructure and lifelines, as well as the disruption of livelihoods and the normal way of life of the people, especially in the affected areas.
Kristine and Typhoon Leon (international name Kong-Rey) that followed in Kristine’s heels affected 2,179,856 families or 8,534,215 persons. (PNA)
