Due to the massive effects of Severe Tropical Storm Paeng, a state of calamity was declared in 55 areas in Bicol Region (Region 5), Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and SOCCSKSARGEN (Region 12), the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) bared Sunday, Oct. 30.
In a situational report, the NDRRMC said the entire province of Albay in Bicol Region, which covers 18 cities and municipalities, was placed under a state of calamity by virtue of Resolution No. 0169-2022 issued on Oct. 29.
The entire Maguindanao in BARMM covering 36 cities and municipalities was also placed under a state of calamity as well as the municipality of Pigcawayan in Cotabato in SOCCSKSARGEN.
These areas were heavily devastated by Paeng which brought massive flooding and landslides that resulted to casualties.
Prior to this, NDRRMC Executive Director Raymundo Ferrer recommended to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. the declaration of a year-long national state of calamity due to Paeng.
“The NDRRMC respectfully recommends for the following: declare a national state of calamity due to the effects, damage and projected impacts by Severe Tropical Storm Paeng for a period of one year, unless earlier lifted; and to accept offers of international assistance based on needs,” Ferrer said.
The declaration of a national state of calamity will allow the use of calamity funds to respond to the immediate needs of the typhoon victims.
NDRRMC Chairman Jose Faustino Jr. has yet to issue an official resolution for such recommendation.
Paeng has so far affected more than 930,000 individuals nationwide. It killed 48 persons while 40 others were injured and 22 were still missing.