Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte
November 1, 2022

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the government’s commitment in addressing the needs of people affected by the onslaught of Tropical Storm ‘Paeng’ in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as he presided over a situation briefing in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.

The President emphasized the need to fast track the provision of basic goods and services to the victims such as food, shelter, medicine and hygiene kits, among others. He also cited the need for improved coordination between the BARMM and local government units (LGUs) in times of disaster and emergency in order to swiftly address the needs of those affected and reduce the impacts of natural calamities or disasters.

“I think that is something that we can improve on, the coordination between the LGUs and BARMM. And then ‘yung procedures. I know that you are just drawing up your procedures now. But you can see kung bakit this is so important,” he said, emphasizing the significance of a seamless coordination in the delivery of relief efforts and assistance to the affected families.

Likewise, the Chief Executive pointed out the need to conduct joint operations between the BARMM government and LGUs in order to maximize government resources and assets.

Over the weekend, President Marcos Jr. expressed disappointment on the high number of casualties in BARMM, particularly in Maguindanao del Norte. According to the latest data, 61 deaths have been recorded while 17 people remain missing. He directed national government agencies to extend full assistance and expedite the search, rescue and relief operations to help thousands of affected Filipinos in the region.

Based on reports released by the BARMM’s Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READi), more than 500,000 individuals from 422 barangays were affected, prompting the Bangsamoro government to declare a state of calamity in the entire region.

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