PNP says 90% of infra in Catanduanes destroyed

Philippine National Police (PNP) Deputy Chief for Operations Police Lieutenant General Cesar Hawthorne Binag on Monday said 90% of infrastructures in Catanduanes were destroyed due to Super Typhoon Rolly.

"Nakausap ko ho 'yung regional director bago ho ako pumunta rito at ang una niyang nireport muna, unang tiningnan namin kung na-establish na ho lahat ng communication line lalo na ho sa Catanduanes at sa ngayon po establish na ho natin doon at nai-report po niya na 90% ho ng infrastructure ay damaged daw," Binag said at a press conference.

Binag said it is not specified what kind of infrastructures are destroyed following the strong typhoon.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año also said authorities are validating information about the four reported casualties in the province.

"Itong mga report natin, initially lang 'to as they come. We will give the exact figure kapag nakapagvalidate 'yung ahensya," Año said.

So far, there is no report on looting incidents in the affected areas, according to Binag.

"Salamat naman ho at wala ng looting. Kami ay nakikiusap sana naman sa ganitong klase ng panahon, 'wag na nilang pagsamantalahan, 'yung mga nag-iisip diyan sa lugar na nabakante ng ating kababayan," Binag said.

Rolly made its first landfall over Bato, Catanduanes before dawn on Sunday.

The national government admitted that at present, it is difficult to reach those in Catanduanes, including the local officials.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said some personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard will go to the area to check the situation in the province.

"Mayroon namang nabigay na satellite phone kay Governor Cua pero sa anong kadahilanan ay di macontact siya. Mayroon tayong Coast Guard doon na papunta ngayon na pagka nakarating doon, magkakaroon tayo ng efficient communication at malalaman natin ang pinsalang nangyari sa Catanduanes," Lorenzana said. — RSJ, GMA News