Duterte, Robredo make separate visits to cyclone Rolly-hit areas in Bicol region
MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Leni Robredo made separate visits to areas in Bicol region hit by Super Typhoon Rolly on Monday afternoon.
Duterte and Sen. Bong Go, his former long-time aide but is now a lawmaker, are flying to Manila from Davao. But Go told reporters that they went down in Guinobatan in Albay.
Go, often Duterte’s de-facto spokesperson, said the president ordered an investigation into alleged quarrying in the area following complaints of the residents.
The president was in Davao when Rolly barrelled towards parts of Luzon and was not present, even via videoconferencing, in the two briefings on government response to Rolly.
By Sunday evening, #NasaanAngPangulo became a trending topic on Twitter, criticizing the president’s absence during the onslaught of the typhoon that left at least 16 people dead.
The Palace however said that the president has been monitoring the situation from Davao and has given instructions to hold a meeting with cabinet secretaries on Sunday on Rolly.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte will meet with officials late afternoon of Monday to discuss government response to Rolly.
Robredo visits, brings relief packs to CamSur
Robredo meanwhile arrived in Camarines Sur at past 1:00 p.m. on Monday, and is set to go around Albay and Catanduanes as well, where Rolly made its first two landfalls as a super typhoon.
In a Facebook post, Robredo said she left Manila before dawn of Monday.
The vice president went on Facebook live briefly on Monday and showed Sabang National High School in Camarines Sur, which she said served as one of the biggest evacuation centers in the area. She said they gave relief goods to the families seeking temporary shelter in the school.
The vice president however shared that while families were staying in the classrooms, the strong winds of Rolly tore the roofs and damaged the ceilings.
A separate Facebook post of Robredo’s office showed their team and Angat Buhay partners preparing food packs on Sunday afternoon. It said that they will be giving these away to those residing in Calabanga and Magarao, coastal and flood prone communities, in Camarines Sur.
Before she became the vice president, Robredo served as representative of the third district of Camarines Sur. — Kristine Joy Patag
Follow this thread for updates on tropical cyclone Rolly (international name: Goni).
Australia provides an additional P28.52 million to support Filipino communities affected by tropical cyclone Rolly in the Bicol Region.
This will help the government provide food, repair damaged homes and support emergency medical teams in the region. Australia's latest commitment will directly assist 23,345 people, including 2,990 women and girls.
"This support is even more critical following Typhoon Ulysses that caused further hardship for the people in the Bicol Region. Australia stands with the Philippines in this time of need," Australian Ambassador Steven Robinson says.
President Rodrigo Duterte may place the regions of CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, and Bicol under state of calamity because of the impact of typhoon "Rolly," Malacañang says.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has approved a recommendation to place the three Luzon regions under state of calamity to fast-track the recovery of the typhoon-ravaged areas.
"Most likely, but let us wait for the document that will come from the Office of the President," presidential spokesman Harry Roque said at a press briefing when asked if Duterte would adopt the recommendation of the council. — Alexis Romero
The provincial board has placed Camarines Sur under state of calamity following the onslaught of Typhoon Rolly.
In a resolution released Monday, the local government cited strong winds and torrential rains, as well as the extensive flooding and other damages brought about by the typhoon.
At 3 p.m., Tropical Storm Rolly was located 225 kilometers west of Iba, Zambales.
The cyclone bears maximum sustained winds of 65 kph and gusts of up to 80 kph. It is moving north northwestward at 15 kph.
Vice President Leni Robredo posts photos of the first signs of devastation brought about by Typhoon Rolly in Camarines Sur.
Robredo says she left Manila before dawn on Monday to visit the typhoon-hit province.
The vice president will also be visiting Albay and Catanduanes.
Left Manila before dawn today. Just arrived CamSur and these were the first signs of devastation we saw. Will be going around Albay and Catanduanes, as well.
Posted by Leni Gerona Robredo on Sunday, 1 November 2020
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