Palace commends local governments for 'Rolly' preparations
MANILA, Philippines — Despite failing to achieve its "zero casualty" goal, Malacañang on Monday lauded agencies and local governments for their preparations for typhoon "Rolly" and assured the public that its response units are functioning properly.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the forced evacuation in areas devastated by "Rolly" had mitigated the impact of the cyclone.
"Well, I think the view of the President is he would like to commend all local government units, all departments and agencies of government because we have demonstrated our preparedness. We mitigated the effects," Roque said at a press briefing
"Thank you very much to all the men and women comprising the agencies and instrumentalities of the Philippine government, including the local government units and the public in general," he added.
Roque said the government would continue to aspire for zero casualties in the future.
"As (Interior) Secretary Año kanina, the goal should be zero casualty. But I think, because people evacuated, there was a forced evacuation, the casualties were minimized. Next time, we will still aim for zero casualty, so we still ask for the continuing cooperation of our people," the Palace spokesman said.
Año said local governments have performed well in terms of typhoon response, noting that forced evacuation of residents in high-risk areas started as early as October 30. He said local executives already know how to implement pre-disaster protocols, including the activation of operation centers and the designation of search and rescue teams.
"We have to improve our communication system... We should have a continuous communication system, even if the telephone signals are gone. Radio communication should be revived aside from satellite communication," Año added.
National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) executive director Ricardo Jalad said local disaster management councils are functioning and there was no breakdown of law and order in affected areas.
Roque claimed the casualties of typhoons "Rolly" and "Yolanda" are incomparable.
"We thank God because the damage caused by 'Rolly' was not as severe as that of 'Yolanda.' With regard to casualties, it's incomparable. So far, there are 10 confirmed fatalities," he said.
The number of fatalities and injuries, however, is not yet final as the NDRRMC is expected to receive more updates from local governments and security forces in typhoon-hit provinces.
“Yolanda” left more than 6,000 people dead and more than a million others displaced in 2013. It has also damaged about P90 billion worth of properties.
Roque said affected local governments can ask the Office of the Executive Secretary for a replenishment of calamity funds when necessary. He has also vowed to coordinate with telecommunications firms so the national government could get in touch with provinces that bore the brunt of the typhoon.
Follow this thread for updates on tropical cyclone Rolly (international name: Goni).
Australia provides an additional P28.52 million to support Filipino communities affected by tropical cyclone Rolly in the Bicol Region.
This will help the government provide food, repair damaged homes and support emergency medical teams in the region. Australia's latest commitment will directly assist 23,345 people, including 2,990 women and girls.
"This support is even more critical following Typhoon Ulysses that caused further hardship for the people in the Bicol Region. Australia stands with the Philippines in this time of need," Australian Ambassador Steven Robinson says.
President Rodrigo Duterte may place the regions of CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, and Bicol under state of calamity because of the impact of typhoon "Rolly," Malacañang says.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has approved a recommendation to place the three Luzon regions under state of calamity to fast-track the recovery of the typhoon-ravaged areas.
"Most likely, but let us wait for the document that will come from the Office of the President," presidential spokesman Harry Roque said at a press briefing when asked if Duterte would adopt the recommendation of the council. — Alexis Romero
The provincial board has placed Camarines Sur under state of calamity following the onslaught of Typhoon Rolly.
In a resolution released Monday, the local government cited strong winds and torrential rains, as well as the extensive flooding and other damages brought about by the typhoon.
At 3 p.m., Tropical Storm Rolly was located 225 kilometers west of Iba, Zambales.
The cyclone bears maximum sustained winds of 65 kph and gusts of up to 80 kph. It is moving north northwestward at 15 kph.
Vice President Leni Robredo posts photos of the first signs of devastation brought about by Typhoon Rolly in Camarines Sur.
Robredo says she left Manila before dawn on Monday to visit the typhoon-hit province.
The vice president will also be visiting Albay and Catanduanes.
Left Manila before dawn today. Just arrived CamSur and these were the first signs of devastation we saw. Will be going around Albay and Catanduanes, as well.
Posted by Leni Gerona Robredo on Sunday, 1 November 2020
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