Emergency workers scrambled to rescue residents trapped by floods in and around Metro Manila as Tropical Storm “Paeng” swept out of the country after killing at least 48 people. READ:
Several neighborhoods in towns and cities just outside Metro Manila remained underwater after the storm raked across the main island of Luzon overnight, cutting power supplies and inflicting damage.
“During the darkest hours, the House of the People in coordination and partnership with the Marcos administration is always here to assist and help Filipinos in their time of need. We will support all the national government initiatives in pursuing relief and recovery efforts in areas affected by typhoon Paeng,” he said.
“We did not expect the water to go this high. If we weren’t able to rescue them all, some of them could have died,” he added. The storm slightly weakened as it roared out into the West Philippine Sea, the state forecaster said. These communities are in Regions 2 , 3 , 4-A , 4-B , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 11 , 12 , Caraga, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao , and the Cordillera Administrative Region .
Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said the agency together with the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Fire Protection were working with local government units in ongoing disaster response efforts. “As of 6 a.m. of Oct. 30, the DSWD has stockpiles and standby funds amounting to more than P1.4 billion,” said DSWD Secretary Erwin Tulfo.“This is our time. This is our moment. It is our job to help those in crisis,” he said.“The President is asking for an update every hour. That’s what the President wants,” Tulfo said.