PGMA orders Cabinet members to help in the rescue and relief efforts for typhoon victims

MANILA, Sept. 28 (PNA) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita on Saturday night (September 26) to oblige all Cabinet officials to mobilize their departments and offices and help in the on-going rescue and relief operations particulary in areas affected by tropical storm "Ondoy."

Press Secretary Cerge M. Remonde said the President issued the directive to Ermita during the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) emergency meeting at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City where she personally monitored and supervised the deployment of rescue teams in the areas still submerged by flood waters.

He said that during the meeting, the President personally coordinated with the local government executives in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces and assured them that rescue teams and emergency units are in place to help them.

Remonde pointed out that the President also ordered the NDCC to focus its rescue operations in Marikina City and Cainta in Rizal, and deploy separate teams for Makati, City and other disaster areas.

The President also tapped the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Philippine National Red Cross to help police and soldiers in the delivery of relief goods and food stuffs to the affected families at the different evacuation centers.