PBBM orders swift power restoration in typhoon-hit areas

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

FILE: KRISTINE’S FURY. The aerial view of Bato town in Camarines Sur on Friday (Oct. 25, 2024), one of the areas severely battered by Severe Tropical Storm #KristinePH. (Photo by Jessar Adornado/OCD-5 via Philippine News Agency/Facebook)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered concerned government agencies to ensure the immediate and safe restoration of power in typhoon-hit areas.

Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, however, clarified that Marcos’ directive will be carried out only when it is already safe to do so, to avoid accidents.

“The power was brought [up] by President Bongbong, but the power return is not that simple… The communication should be addressed immediately. The power should be returned carefully,” Nepomuceno said over PTV’s special report on the onslaught of Super Typhoon Leon (international name Kong-rey) on Thursday.

“Iyong kuryente, ibinilin iyan ni Pangulong Bongbong, subalit hindi ganoon kasimple iyong pagbabalik ng kuryente dahil iyan, tinitingnan bawat metro n’yan. Hindi puwedeng madaliin iyan, kapag kasi iyan ay biglaang binuhay, baka makadisgrasya pa, pumutok o magkaroon ng aksidente. So, iyong komunikasyon, dapat kaagad matugunan iyan. Iyong kuryente, maingat na ibabalik din dapat iyan,” he added.

Nepomuceno also said that the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is supporting the OCD in ensuring connectivity for typhoon victims.

He also urged those affected by the recent typhoons not to worry as the government is ready to immediately send assistance once the weather permits.

“We are here to help you. It is a commitment from the government. Your government is here,” he said.

Parts of Luzon are still reeling from the effects of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Trami) last week, especially the Bicol Region which suffered the most damage due to severe flooding.

Bicol relief continues

Meanwhile, the Philippine Air Force (PAF), with the support of its counterparts from Singapore and Malaysia, carried out another relief mission in the Bicol Region on Wednesday.

Two PAF C-130 aircraft, along with a Singaporean C-130 and a Malaysian Eurocopter, airlifted assorted relief goods, shelter repair kits, and hygiene kits from Pasay City to the Bicol International Airport and the Naga Airport, Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo, PAF Public Affairs chief, said in a statement.

The essential aid items will be distributed to communities in remote areas severely affected by the storm in the region. (With Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)