Marcos tasks DILG to set up field hospitals in Naga

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. directed the Department of the Interior and Local Government to set up emergency field hospitals and bring medicines in Naga City and other areas hit by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, Secretary Juanito Victor ''Jonvic'' Remulla Jr. said Thursday.

''He personally instructed me to ramp up preparations for the provision of emergency field hospitals and medicines, which shall be deployed in Naga and all other affected areas as soon as conditions improve. This will ensure that care is immediately provided to whoever may need it,'' Remulla said in a statement. 

''This is just one of the many forms of aid which we will deploy in response to the devastation wrought by [Severe Tropical Storm] Kristine, and which Defense Secretary Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro, in his capacity as chairperson of the NDRRMC, has been tirelessly coordinating and updating the President,'' he added.

Remulla said Marcos' marching orders were clear and those were ''to work with utmost urgency and compassion, to rescue those in danger, provide relief for all affected, and make efforts towards the restoration of basic services in all affected areas.'' 

According to Remulla, Marcos wants the national government to provide all possible support to the LGUs who have struggled against the overwhelming force of this Typhoon. 

''On his behalf, we assure the Bikolano people that all resources of the national government are being mobilized. No one will be left behind in these difficult times,'' Remulla said. 

Marcos earlier vowed to provide assets, particularly rubber boats, for the rescue and response measures in the Bicol Region.

Palace reporters asked the President about the request of former Vice President Leni Robredo as regards the deployment of rubber boats in the region, particularly in Naga City, an area severely hit by Kristine.—LDF, GMA Integrated News