Support assured for Cordillera

THE NATIONAL government assured immediate support to areas in the Cordillera region which was affected by Typhoon Ompong over the weekend.

Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs Secretary Francis Tolentino in his visit at the Police Regional Office Cordillera at Camp Bado Dangwa in La Trinidad, Benguet gave the assurance during a briefing on the latest situation in the Cordillera by regional directors from the Office of the Civil Defense, PRO - COR, Philippine Army, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and PAGASA.

“At present, the search and rescue operations are now ongoing and based on our briefing with these departments. We will be recommending additional funds for these regional departments after some administrative procedures based on the 2009 recommendation, so immediate help will be provided for those affected by the landslide in Barangay Ucab in Itogon,” Tolentino said.

As of 6 a.m. of September 17, the total number of deaths in the region was listed at 54 deaths with 34 in Benguet, nine in Baguio City, six in Mountain Province and one in Kalinga.

At least 44 are still missing in Benguet, and five in Baguio while 17 were injured in Benguet, five in Ifugao, three in Kalinga, and two each in Apayao and Baguio City.

Tolentino noted the efforts the Itogon Municipal Police who personally talked with the affected residents of the