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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Abalos: Gov't still uncertain on declaring state of calamity in 'Paeng'-hit areas

Abalos: Gov't still uncertain on declaring state of calamity in 'Paeng'-hit areas

Published Oct 31, 2022 11:54 am

Despite the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm ‘Paeng’ in 16 of the country’s 17 regions, authorities have yet to declare a state of calamity in the affected areas, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur’’ Abalos Jr. confirmed Monday, Oct. 31.

Benhur Abalos Twitter Account photo

Abalos stated that certain conditions must be taken into consideration before the government can decide whether to declare a state of calamity or not.

This, despite aerial photos showing that heavy flood and massive destruction to crops and properties caused by “Paeng’’ overwhelmed the calamity-stricken areas.

With questions hounding President Ferdinand “Bongbong’’ Marcos Jr’s decision not to declare a state of calamity yet, Abalos insisted that placing areas under this condition entails further scrutiny.

Abalos stated authorities need to decipher if all the areas affected by the ‘Paeng’ onslaught need to be placed under the state of calamity.

Further, Abalos explained that funds are needed for the rehabilitation and repair of damaged structures in case an area is placed under this state.

Earlier, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council had drafted a resolution recommending the declaration of a national state of calamity due to fury inflicted by ‘Paeng.’

The declaration will allow access to calamity response funds and will implement a price freeze on basic goods.

Under the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, the declaration of a state of calamity imposes price caps on basic necessities and prime commodities and requires agencies to monitor and stop overpricing, profiteering and hoarding of food, medicines and fuel.

The DILG chief also brushed off claims that the national government had neglected Mindanao particularly the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) during the ‘Paeng’ onslaught.

Under the BARMM ‘government structure’ it has its own funding and agencies independent from the national government.

But Abalos pointed out that relief packs and 30 desalination machines were sent even if BARMM officials have yet to seek assistance from the national government.

He said that almost 580,000 individuals, 198,320 families were affected by ‘Paeng’ with 49 or 50 deaths and 31 injuries reported.

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