Duterte orders creation of task force to fast-track rehab efforts for Ulysses victims

Residents at Barangay Iraga in Solana, Cagayan stay on their rooftops as floodwater continues to submerge villages in the province. (Photo courtesy of Francis Jorque/Cagayan provincial information officer)

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday ordered the creation of a task force that will fast-track rehabilitation efforts for those affected by Typhoon Ulysses.

“Kaya sa madalian, gumawa ako ng hakbang, creation of a task force. Ito naman, I directed them to streamline para madali ang rehabilitation efforts affected by the typhoon,” the President said in an aired address.

(I ordered the immediate creation of a task force. I directed them to streamline for faster rehabilitation efforts affected by the typhoon.)

Duterte added of the new inter-agency task force: “Binibigyan ko sila ng timeline para gumawa ng mga hakbang na ‘yan na walang delay at i-cut yung red tape ng tulong sa tao.”

(I have given them a timeline to do steps without delay and cut the red tape in helping the people.)

“Sa madaling sabi, gusto ko yung task force na magbigay kaagad ng relief assistance [sa] affected, kayong mga tao,” he added.

(In short, I want the task force to give relief assistance swiftly to those affected.)

It was on Thursday when Ulysses battered parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila, causing massive floods in the capital region reminiscent of Tropical Storm Ondoy in 2009.

Meanwhile, parts of Cagayan Valley, particularly in Cagayan and Isabela, face a crisis as these areas are currently submerged in floods due to Ulysses, as well as the release of water from the Magat Dam as it has reached the spilling level.

/MUF