The local government of Oriental Mindoro province has declared a state of calamity due to the massive destruction it sustained following the onslaught of Typhoon Quinta.

A signed resolution of the state of calamity declaration stated that Quinta left agricultural damage worth over P1 billion.

It also cited the report of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office that one person died and more than 9,000 evacuees were housed in 111 temporary shelters in the province.

A copy of the resolution was shared by Oriental Mindoro Vice Governor Antonio “CA Jojo” Perez on his Facebook page.

The declaration would allow the local government to access calamity funds to provide assistance to affected residents.

The provincial disaster office also reported a number of houses damaged by Quinta in the towns of Pinamalayan, Socorro, Bansud and Calapan City.

Floods also inundated the areas of Baco, San Teodoro, and parts of Mansalay.

Quinta also damaged crops and rice fields as well as irrigation and other farming facilities.

The local government assured to immediately extend assistance to those who were heavily affected by the typhoon. – RRD (with details from Correspondent Jerickson Buñag)

Eleven members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) surrendered to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Sulu on Saturday (October 17).

The 1101st Infantry Brigade of the AFP identified the surrenderers in their aliases as: Alji, Gaspar, Amz, Ardin, Bebs, Madz, Uyong, Bahad, Navin, Allon, and Asir.

According to Western Mindanao Command Spokesperson Lt. Colonel Alaric delos Santos, the holistic approach of the Joint Task Force in Sulu paved the way for the former ASG members’ surrender.

The 11 members also surrendered five M16 rifle and one M1 grenade launcher. After surrendering, they will undergo rehabilitation program for them to be able to receive the benefits from the government under the Localized Social Integration Program.

Last October, over 100 ex-ASG members in Sulu were given P15,000 cash assistance. AAC (with reports from Val Villaflor)

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday extended the period of the state of calamity declared in the country due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Under Proclamation No. 1021, which was signed on Sept. 16, Duterte extended the state of calamity declaration for one year, effective Sept. 13, 2020 to Sept. 12, 2021 “unless earlier lifted or extended as circumstances may warrant.”

The president first declared the Philippines under a state of calamity on March 16 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but it already expired as it was only for a period of six months.

Duterte said the extension will effectively afford the national government, as well as local government units, ample latitude to continue utilizing appropriate funds, including Quick Response Funds, in their disaster preparedness and response efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19.

He added that it would also help in monitoring and controlling prices of basic necessities and prime commodities, and provide basic services to the affected populations.

The chief executive also enjoined government agencies and local government units to “continue rendering full assistance to and cooperation with each other and mobilize necessary resources to undertake critical, urgent, and appropriate disaster response aid and measures in a timely manner to curtail and eliminate the threat of COVID-19.”

Duterte also directed the military and other law enforcement agencies to “continue undertaking all necessary measures to ensure peace and order in affected areas, as may be necessary.” – RRD (with details from Correspondent Rosalie Coz)