President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has declared Calabarzon, Bicol region, Western Visayas and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) under a state of calamity for six months following the devastation brought by Severe Tropical storm Paeng over the weekend.
Proclamation No. 84 signed by Marcos on Wednesday, November 2, 2022 upon the recommendation of the NDRRMC, places regions IV-A, V, VI, and BARMM under a state of calamity to “hasten the rescue, recovery, relief, and rehabilitation efforts of the government and the private sector” in these areas.
The order will also allow authorities to “effectively control the prices of basic necessities and prime commodities, and afford the National Government, as well as LGUs ample latitude to utilize appropriate funds for rescue, recovery, relief and rehabilitation efforts, and for the continuous provision of basic services to the affected populations.”
“The onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Paeng (international name: Nalgae) from 26 to 29 October 2022 caused the loss of lives, destruction of property, damage to agriculture and critical infrastructures, and disruptionof means of livelihood and normal way of life of the populations in the affected areas,” the Proclamation read.
The President also directed government authorities to “continue implementing and executing rescue, recovery, relief, and rehabilitation measures” and to “coordinate with the LGUs to provide or augment the basic services and facilities of affected areas. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies with support from the AFP are directed to “undertake necessary measures to ensure peace and order in affected areas.”
The State of Calamity will remain in force and effect for a period of six months unless earlier lifted by the President.
Meanwhile, other areas may be included in the declaration of state of calamity if warranted by the President, “taking into consideration the continuing damage assessment in affected areas and based on the recommendation of the NDRRMC and the conditions provided by law and issuances.” I via ABS-CBN News
