President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. assured the public Friday that comprehensive rescue and relief efforts are in full swing following the devastation caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.
In a statement, he pledged swift assistance for those in need, saying help will arrive “by land, air, and sea.”
President Marcos ordered the full mobilization of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel and resources, along with the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the Philippine Coast Guard.
All available vehicles, aircraft, boats, and ships are being deployed for rescue, followed by relief and rehabilitation efforts, he added.
“This includes presidential helicopters,” Mr. Marcos said, emphasizing the urgency of evacuating people in danger and delivering aid to affected areas.
“I want to see a conveyor belt of aid that is constantly delivering to the front,” he added.
According to the President, a C-130 aircraft carrying communications equipment and rescue boats reached flood-hit Bicol early Friday morning, with Black Hawk helicopters on standby.
In submerged areas like Camarines Sur, air and water rescues are prioritized, given blocked roads.
In a move to streamline disaster response, all leaves for uniformed personnel have been canceled, except for medical or humanitarian reasons.
President Marcos also directed members of the AFP and PNP medical corps to join frontline rescue and relief efforts.
The president assigned Cabinet secretaries to oversee relief and rehabilitation efforts in specific areas. He also ordered the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to immediately release funds for the quick procurement of resources.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) was instructed to deliver pre-positioned and newly acquired relief goods, with plans to mobilize financial aid as soon as weather conditions permit.
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is implementing a quick recovery plan to support farmers, including the release of crop insurance payments for those affected by the typhoon.
Emergency road clearing is underway under orders from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), while private contractors are encouraged to help restore damaged infrastructure.
To prevent price gouging, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is monitoring compliance with price controls in areas under a State of Calamity, ensuring the steady flow of goods to affected communities.
Additionally, the DA is deploying Kadiwa rolling stores to provide affordable food, with efforts to expand their reach through private partnerships.
Relief efforts will continue as the government coordinates resources to support affected Filipinos.
