Philippine national flags across the country were flown at half-mast on Monday in observance of the Day of National Mourning for Severe Tropical Storm “Kristine” victims.
Last month, Kristine devastated Luzon, resulting in approximately 150 fatalities and displacing nearly 6 million individuals, as well as causing around P4 billion in agricultural damage and approximately P7 billion in infrastructure damage nationwide.
Following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s issuance on October 30, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, the national flag was directed to be displayed at half-mast from sunrise to sunset on all government buildings and installations, both domestic and abroad.
This action is in accordance with Republic Act (RA) 8491 and follows Proclamation 728.
According to the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 8491, known as the “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines,” the Philippine Flag must be flown at half-mast on all buildings and locations where it is displayed as a sign of mourning during tragedies of national significance, as mandated by the Office of the President.
“If you notice, our flag is at half-mast. That is because our President, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., also declared today as the official day for mourning for the victims of Kristine. Many storms have passed and now we are expecting Marce to arrive, so we have to prepare for that,” AFP Chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. stated in Camp Aguinaldo on Monday morning.
