Presidential aspirant Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr. said he has started deploying rapid-response teams to aid victims of severe tropical storm “Maring” in Northern Luzon.
The former senator, who hails from Ilocos Norte, has dispatched teams from Manila and nearby provinces to help facilitate the distribution of relief goods and extend assistance in areas hardest hit by the storm.
“I have given instructions to activate our quick response teams in Manila and in key areas in Northern Luzon. Our staff and volunteers have started shoring up our relief packs. Each team that will be dispatched will bring with them relief packs that will consist of rice, slippers, vitamins and KN95 face masks as a standard kit,” Marcos said in a statement.
As of 8 a.m. today, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said 478 families, or 1,638 individuals were affected by Maring’s onslaught.
The NDRRMC added that 247 families or 850 individuals are currently staying in evacuation centers in Cagayan Valley, Mimaropa and Cordillera.
The NDRRMC is also confirming reports that at least 11 people died after strong winds and torrential rains battered the region as ‘Maring’ exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
The council said three persons died in a landslide in La Trinidad, Benguet, one in Itogon, Benguet, one drowned in Claveria, Cagayan, and another four people drowned in Palawan due to flash floods.
“Sa ating mga Kailyan, inihahanda na po natin ang lahat ng ating maaaring maitulong sa inyo. Nagpapasalamat rin po tayo sa ating mga volunteers at mga donors na nagpaabot ng tulong kahit na very short notice po. Makakaasa po kayong maipaparating natin ito sa ating mga kababayan,” Marcos said in Filipino.
PAGASA also added that heavy to intense rains are likely to persist over the Ilocos region, Benguet, Ifugao, Abra and the Mountain Province.
The state weather bureau also warned of scattered to widespread flooding and landslides in these affected areas.