Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 25) — The chief minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) declared a state of calamity in the entire region because of widespread flooding caused by successive weather systems.
Under Proclamation No. 3, signed by Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim on Aug. 18 and made public on Thursday, the status is in effect until the end of October.
“The declaration of state of calamity will provide augmentation to the ongoing response operations and recovery efforts of the Bangsamoro Government to the affected communities,” the proclamation read.
“This declaration will effectively control the prices of the basic goods and commodities for the affected areas and afford the BARMM and its LGUs (local government units) an ample latitude to utilize and appropriate funds for rescue, recovery, relief, and rehabilitation efforts of, and to continue to provide basic services to, affected populations, in accordance with the law,” it added.
The proclamation also stated that since Aug. 8, severe widespread floods were reported in large parts of Maguindanao, the special geographic area in the province of Cotabato, and Cotabato City and have been increasing every day. These are caused by low pressure areas, the effects of the southwest monsoon or habagat, and localized thunderstorms.
The situation prompted the Bangsamoro Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to convene on Aug. 10 for assessment. It later recommended the declaration of a state of calamity for three months, unless earlier lifted.
All ministries and government agencies were “directed to implement and execute medical assistance, relief, and rehabilitation work in accordance with the pertinent operational plans and directives.”
