Vice President Leni Robredo has deployed to Northern Luzon provinces two teams of relief workers to provide assistance to the victims of tropical storm "Maring".

Robredo said in a Twitter post on late Monday night, Oct. 11 that her office has already formed these teams that will assist affected residents in Cagayan, Isabela, Benguet, and La Union.

“Ready to deploy our teams already to provide relief assistance but we need help from those who have equipment for rescue op(eration)s,” Robredo, a presidential aspirant in the May 2022 polls, said.

The Vice President is currently coordinating with various teams from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) for the possible rescue of residents trapped due to flooding.

“We’re receiving additional reports that rescue of trapped residents also needed in Candon City and other parts of Ilocos Sur,” she noted.

Floodwater continues to rise in Northern Luzon provinces as the Provincial Disaster Risk and Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) in La Union is put under red alert.

Disaster management crews were sent to the La Union towns of Bacnotan, Bangar, Luna, San Juan, and San Gabriel while the provincial government called on residents living near bodies of water to seek safer ground.

Landslides were also reported along Marcos Highway in Pugo town, La Union leading to the closure of the Rosario-Pugo Road. On the other hand, a town in La Trinidad, Benguet reported flooding that has already submerged homes and vehicles.

OkieRobredo was given assurance that the rescue operations were ongoing.

“We’re forwarding all the calls for help to the teams on the ground,” she said.

The lady official also sought for help from individuals who can provide equipment to conduct rescue.

“Those who have rubber boats near the area, baka puwede po mahiram muna (I hope we will be able to borrow them),” Robredo added.