National Government Seeks US Armed Forces Help for Rescue
MANILA, Philippines — The national government is actively requesting assistance from the United States Armed Forces in rescue operations following the intense rainfall caused by Severe Tropical Storm Crising and the southwest monsoon affecting Luzon and Visayas. This collaboration aims to enhance relief efforts and support communities severely impacted by the calamities.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, speaking from Washington, DC, shared that he has instructed Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. to work closely with the US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM). This coordination will enable the military to utilize facilities and equipment under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) to better respond to the needs of affected Filipinos.
International Support and Government Monitoring
Aside from the US, Japan and other allied countries have also expressed their willingness to provide aid. Secretary Teodoro emphasized that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been closely overseeing the relief and rescue operations since before their departure from the Philippines.
“President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered me, even before we left the Philippines, to constantly monitor the relief and rescue efforts, and the coordinated responses of the government to Tropical Storm Crising,” the defense chief stated. He assured Filipinos that the President remains vigilant around the clock.
Teodoro also highlighted ongoing communication between USINDOPACOM and General Brawner to explore further cooperation opportunities. Before leaving for the US, he met with Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, who confirmed that all relief goods were pre-positioned and ready for distribution to affected families.
Continuous Monitoring and Relief Efforts
“Even if we are here in the United States discussing other important issues, we are keeping an eye on what is happening in the country,” Teodoro said. As chairperson of both the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), he affirmed 24/7 monitoring through the Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell (IACC).
The IACC supports the NDRRMC by providing operational and tactical assistance. It is staffed by OCD duty officers and representatives from NDRRMC member agencies who remain on watch in the OCD Command Center, ready to respond immediately to emerging concerns.
Impact and Damage Assessment
According to the latest situation report from the NDRRMC, as of 6 p.m. Monday, the combined effects of Crising and the southwest monsoon have affected 853,369 individuals or 238,260 families. Among them, 91,764 people were displaced, with 21,010 currently taking shelter in evacuation centers.
Tragically, five deaths have been reported, alongside five injuries and seven missing persons. The NDRRMC estimates that damage to infrastructure alone has reached approximately P219.37 million.
Authorities continue to coordinate relief and rescue operations to aid affected communities. The government remains committed to ensuring the safety and recovery of all Filipinos impacted by these weather disturbances.
For more news and updates on national disaster response, visit Filipinokami.com.
