Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 20) — The national government on Monday assured the public that relief and rescue operations are ongoing in Palawan following calls for help after Typhoon Odette ravaged the province.
The Department of Transportation said that two Philippine Coast Guard ships – BRP Capones and BRP Cape Engano — were already prepositioned in Palawan prior to the typhoon’s landfall.
“Rest assured that the Philippine Coast Guard have been tirelessly conducting relief and rescue operations in the province, in coordination with DSWD [Department of Social Welfare and Development] and PGU/LGU [provincial government unit/local government unit],” Transporation Assistant Secretary Goddes Libiran said in a statement.
The typhoon made nine destructive landfalls in the country. Its first landfall was over Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte on Dec. 16.
The Visayas and parts of Mindanao were battered by the typhoon, with nine confirmed deaths out of 58 fatalities reported, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management’s latest data. The Philippine National Police said 208 people died.
“BRP Cape Engano departed Puerto Princesa today, if I’m not mistaken, en route to affected areas to deliver relief goods supplied by the provincial disaster management office,” added NDRRMC spokesperson Mark Timbal in a press conference.
He added that there are also ongoing efforts to restore communications in the province.
