OCD verifying reports of 12 deaths across PH due to storms, 'habagat'

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is currently verifying reports of 12 deaths resulting from recent tropical cyclones Luis and Maymay, alongside the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat).

Speaking at a Malacañang press briefing on Monday, OCD Deputy Administrator for Operations Lawrence Mina stated that authorities are also confirming reports of 11 injuries and eight missing persons across the Ilocos Region (Region 1), the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), and Calabarzon (Region 4A).

Meanwhile, separate data from the Philippine National Police (PNP) indicates 15 casualties—seven in Calabarzon, six in CAR, and two in Region 1.

Relief operations

The combined impact of the severe weather systems has affected approximately 384,520 families, or roughly 1.31 million individuals, across multiple regions, including the National Capital Region (NCR), Regions 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, CAR, Calabarzon, and Mimaropa.

Relief operations are actively supporting displaced residents:

• Inside Evacuation Centers: 16,130 families (58,650 individuals) are taking shelter across 624 evacuation facilities.

• Outside Evacuation Centers: 11,360 families (39,290 individuals) are receiving direct relief outside formal centers.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led a situation briefing on Monday morning to evaluate safety efforts in Metro Manila and other affected provinces. He ordered all relevant government agencies to ensure prompt assistance reaches every affected community, paying special attention to isolated areas and families transitioning back home from evacuation centers.

Deployment and resource allocation

To address the immediate needs of affected communities, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)—in partnership with local government units—has already disbursed ₱39.37 million in relief assistance. Distributed supplies include:

• 54,370 family food packs

• 2,722 ready-to-eat meals

• 1,376 non-food items

Nearly ₱1 million in direct financial aid via the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program

National reserves remain well-stocked for ongoing emergency response, with ₱1.61 billion in DSWD standby funds, nearly 5 million family food packs, and over 245,000 non-food items ready for distribution.

For search, rescue, and relief operations, 3,841 personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), PNP, and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) have been deployed alongside 14 air assets and one naval asset. An additional 4,392 personnel and 943 response assets remain on standby for immediate deployment as needed.

-Paraluman News with Philippine News Agency