Relief goods readied as ‘Ofel’ exits Philippines

GOVERNMENT agencies readied relief goods supplies and medicines after Tropical Storm “Ofel” exited the country.

In a report of the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) released noontime, some P1.27 million worth of relief goods and standby funds have been in place by the Department of Social and Welfare and Development (DSWD) to augment efforts of local government units (LGUs).

About P200,000 worth of medicines were delivered by the Department of Health (DOH) to the provinces of Biliran, Eastern Samar, Samar, and Northern Samar.

“Our advice to the local risk reduction and management council is to use local resources first and immediately seek for assistance from the national government if needed,” OCD Regional Director Rey Gozon said.

Of the P1.27 million budget by the DSWD, P459,596 are standby fund and P811,850 are relief supplies.

Meanwhile, Gozon said there are ongoing rescue efforts for Jon Rey Acaso, 28, of Barangay Nueva Estrella, Pintuyan, Southern Leyte, who have been missing since October 22.

In Babatngon, Leyte, some 126 families were affected by a landslide in Barangay District 4. No casualties and major damage to properties have been reported in the mudslide site.

He added all affected residents were allowed by the Philippine Coast Guarg to go home after the typhoon exited the region Thursday. (Leyte Samar Daily Express)