President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. assured victims of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine that comprehensive relief efforts are underway, deploying military and government resources to provide immediate support to affected areas. In a statement on Friday, Marcos directed the full mobilization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), with additional assistance from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the Philippine Coast Guard.
“Today, we will continue sending help and aid by land, air, and sea,” said Marcos. “I make this pledge to our people: Help is on the way.”
He ordered all available transport, including vehicles, aircraft, and boats, to be deployed for rescue, relief, and rehabilitation operations. Presidential helicopters will also be utilized in reaching isolated or heavily impacted areas. Emphasizing the urgency, he described a “conveyor belt” approach to ensure a steady stream of aid to front-line responders and communities in need.
Additionally, Marcos has canceled all leaves for uniformed personnel, except for medical or humanitarian reasons, to maximize manpower for relief efforts.
With reports of 26 fatalities in the Bicol Region due to Kristine, Marcos underscored the need to prioritize life-saving operations and rapid resource mobilization to protect and aid vulnerable residents as more data from affected provinces is anticipated.