PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday signed a resolution declaring a state of calamity over regions devastated by Typhoon Odette last week.
During his Talk to the People, Duterte said these areas include Region 4B, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 13.
“I have decided to declare a state of calamity. I will sign it now,” said Duterte.
The Chief Executive also said the declaration will hasten relief and rehabilitation efforts in these calamity-stricken areas.
These include Mimaropa (Region 4-B), Western Visayas (Region 6), Central Visayas (Region 7), Eastern Visayas (Region 8), Northern Mindanao (Region 10), and Caraga (Region 13).
“The declaration of a state of calamity will hasten the rescue and relief and rehabilitation efforts of the government and the private sector including kung saan galing tulong, be it outside or tayo-tayo lang (where help will come from, whether it be outside or just among ourselves). This will also be an effective mechanism to control the prices of goods and commodities in the areas,” he said.
As of Tuesday morning, the NDRRMC reported a casualty toll of 156, with 37 missing and 275 injured.
The damage to infrastructure was initially estimated at close to P449 million, the Department of Public Works and Highways said.
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