Presidential helicopters will be deployed along with other transportation assets from the military and police to bring aid to those who were heavily hit by typhoon Kristine.
President Marcos said this on Friday, Oct. 25, assuring the people that help is on the way.
"Today, we will continue sending our help and aid. I make this pledge to our people: Help is on the way. It will come by land, air, and, even by sea," Marcos said.
The President said he has ordered the full mobilization of available personnel and resources of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to conduct relief operations.
"I have ordered them to deploy vehicles, aircraft, boats, ships and all other transportation assets for, first rescue, and then relief and rehabilitation. This includes presidential helicopters," he said.
Marcos also cancelled all personnel leaves, except for medical reasons and those with humanitarian justifications, in the uniformed services as he wants to see "a conveyor belt of aid that is constantly delivering aid to the front."
He further said that members of the AFP and the Philippine National Police (PNP) medical corps will join in the relief effort as frontline personnel.
According to the President, a C-130 left Manila at 6:49 a.m. Friday and has arrived after an hour at the Bicol International Airport.
"And there is another element of Black Hawk helicopters that are in Legazpi and are attempting to go to Naga. We have a weather window of about two days for air operations in Bicol and we will try to take full advantage of all that," he said.
Of the 36 towns affected by the typhoon in Camarines Sur, nine towns are still fully submerged, Marcos said.
'Belt of aid'
"I have ordered the DBM (Department of Budget and Management) Secretary to immediately release all necessary funds so that needed resources can be procured expeditiously," Marcos said.
According to the Chief Executive, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) shall rush to all affected areas to provide relief goods, both pre-positioned and new supplies to augment those provided by the local government units, and will mobilize the grant of financial aid under existing government programs once the weather permits.
The Department of Agriculture, he said, has been ordered to implement a quick planting and production turnaround plan to help farmers grow food the country needs.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) was also ordered to undertake emergency road clearing operations. Private contractors are urged to join in the restoration of traffic on damaged roads and bridges, Marcos added.
He further said that in order to blunt any attempt at profiteering, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is monitoring compliance with the price control on selected goods imposed in all areas under the State of Calamity, in accordance with the law.
He directed the DTI to ensure the unhampered flow of goods in all the affected areas.
Marcos likewise tasked the DA to deploy Kadiwa rolling stores to affected areas, and to expand its fleet by contracting private vehicle owners.
Meanwhile, the President has expressed his sympathy to the victims of the typhoon.
"I would like to express my sympathy for our fellow Filipinos who have become victims by Tropical Storm Kristine," he said in his speech during the 2024 Galing Pook Awards on Friday morning.
"We are grateful for the resilience, leadership, and proactive measures undertaken by our local government units, which have saved many, many lives," he added.