In response to the massive flooding caused by Tropical Storm Kristine in Bicol, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is prepared to restore essential services and assist typhoon victims in the region as quickly as possible.
During a situation briefing held by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, the Chief Executive acknowledged the logistical challenges posed by the flooding, stating that while Bicol remains submerged, “we will go in” as soon as thoroughfares are cleared.
Defense secretary Gilberto Teodoro urged areas not affected by the storm to clear their highways. “We would encourage coordination to keep the roadways in the areas not affected free so that our trucks and other vehicles can move. We will be working closely with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin to recommend suspension of work or classes in the areas where we need to marshal our logistics to keep the roadways free,” Teodoro said.
He emphasized that the government has all available resources ready to respond to the current situation, especially as Kristine is expected to impact other areas in northern Luzon after making landfall in Isabela tonight. “However, in the exercise of caution, we are planning two things: in the aftermath of the disaster risk convention, we are coordinating now with our ASEAN neighbors. I’ve talked to our Singaporean ambassador to marshal their capabilities for airlift and other workforce assistance,” Teodoro noted. “We are reaching out to Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia as the closest neighbors, in addition to our partner nations.”
Teodoro clarified that protocols must be established before the actual deployment of military assets, echoing the statement of AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner, who indicated that multinational coordinating centers will be activated once other countries offer assistance.
Meanwhile, OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno stated that while the agency is providing necessary assistance to Bicol, preparations are underway for northern Luzon, which is forecast to experience intense torrential rains today and tomorrow.
During the briefing, Nepomuceno also announced that the OCD had purchased 34 water filtration machines ready to be deployed to evacuation centers, as President Marcos emphasized the importance of monitoring the health and welfare of evacuees.
Earlier, Director Agnes Palacio of the Civil Defense and Disaster Management Training Institute highlighted the flooding’s impact on water sanitation and hygiene, underscoring the urgent need for safe drinking water.
