Marcos to Kristine victims: Help is on the way

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday said he has ordered the full mobilization of military assets for relief operations for the victims of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine. 

Marcos made the directive as he assured the affected residents 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. I have ordered the full mobilization of available AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) personnel and resources which can be committed to relief operations,” Marcos said in a statement. 

“Other uniformed agencies such as the PNP (Philippine National Police), BFP (Bureau of Fire Protection) and the Philippine Coast Guard are likewise placed under that status,” he added. 

Marcos ordered the deployment of vehicles, aircraft, boats, ships and all other transportation assets for rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts. 

He also said presidential helicopters would be utilized for the relief missions. 

“This means putting people out of harm’s way, those whose lives are in danger, and then paving the way for the rapid movement of relief resources to affected areas,” Marcos said. 

“I want to see a conveyor belt of aid that is constantly delivering aid to the front,” he added. 

The President said all personnel leaves, except for medical reasons and those with humanitarian justifications, in the uniformed services, are deemed cancelled.

In the Bicol Region, 26 people have been reported dead due to Kristine, according to the police. The number is expected to increase as reports from other provinces come in. —KBK, GMA Integrated News