MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomed the assistance offered by the international community to help the Philippines respond to the massive flooding in the country amid the onslaught of Tropical Storm Kristine.
During a situation briefing in Camp Emilio Aguinaldo on Wednesday, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa told the President that a medical team from the United States is already in the country.
Herbosa said the 30-man team from the US, complete with WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) facilities for outpatient care, are already prepared for deployment to Bicol and Central Luzon.
Other teams from partner nations of the Philippines also offered to help in relief efforts, according to Herbosa.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said the country’s neighbors took notice of the disaster brought by Kristine.
“We are reaching out to Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia as the closest neighbors, sir, in addition to the partner nations,” Teodoro told the President during the briefing.
“Very good. Okay. That’s what we need. All right,” President Marcos said in response.
As to rescue and relief efforts, the President wanted the full use of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites for the airlift operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the Philippine Air Force (PAF) has coordinated with their US counterpart to send in their aircraft using EDCA sites.
But as more offers for international assistance come in, Defense Secretary Teodoro pointed out the need to establish protocols before the actual deployment of military assets.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said Secretary Teodoro provided OCD with guidance on the assistance offered by international agencies. (PND)
