‘Save as many lives as you can’

MANILA, Philippines — After getting briefed on developments in provinces ravaged by Typhoon Ompong, President Duterte directed his political adviser and disaster point man Francis Tolentino to save as many lives as possible as rescue and relief efforts continue.

In a phone-patch report from Cagayan, Tolentino told the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) that strong winds did much damage in Cagayan and Isabela early yesterday morning. 

Tolentino said the President personally instructed him to immediately send assistance to affected families.

Upon direct instructions from the President last Friday, Tolentino immediately went to Cagayan where he set up a command center to coordinate disaster mitigation efforts of the national government and local government units.

In a press briefing, presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said the presence of the President’s “alter egos” on the ground had greatly helped facilitate efforts of the concerned agencies and concerned LGUs to deliver assistance and services to affected communities.

“They are going around and ensuring that we are at our best as far as disaster preparedness is concerned,” Roque told reporters at Camp Aguinaldo.

He lamented the death of two “responders” in the Cordillera Region.

At the same briefing, transportation chief Arthur Tugade reported the damage the typhoon wrought on the Cagayan Airport, especially on the offices of personnel.

Labor chief Silvestre Bello III, for his part, reported partial clearing of roads leading to Isabela and Ilocos.

Overall, Roque said concerned agencies demonstrated their preparedness in the face of Ompong’s onslaught. “Preparedness has become very productive,” he said.

Roque said the President and members of his Cabinet are planning an inspection trip tomorrow to Region 1 or 2. He said they would have to get clearance first from security and aviation authorities before finalizing the trip.

“The idea is to bring government where services are needed…You can count on the Duterte administration in challenges like these,” he added.

He reiterated the call of Trade chief Ramon Lopez for retailers to observe a freeze on prices of basic goods.