Day of National Mourning for Kristine victims is about compassion – Romualdez

TRAGEDY IN TALISAY A man weeps uncontrollably on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024 as he hugs a cadaver bag containing the remains of his sibling, a victim of a landslide triggered by Severe Tropical Storm “Kristine” (international name: Trami) which tore through Talisay, Batangas. (INQUIRER PHOTO / RICHARD A. REYES)

MANILA, Philippines — The Day of National Mourning dedicated to the people who died due to Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami), calls for “compassion and solidarity,” according to House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

The November 4 occasion is pursuant to Proclamation No. 728, which was issued by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to honor the memories of the victims killed by Kristine.

READ: 150 deaths due to combined effects of Leon, Kristine – NDRRMC

“This day of mourning calls us to compassion and solidarity. As we remember those lost, we extend our deepest sympathies to every family affected, to every community struggling to recover,” Romualdez said in a statement on Monday.

“Let this be a day when we, as Filipinos, reaffirm our spirit of resilience and togetherness, a time when we find strength in unity and a helping hand in every corner of our country,” he added.

The lawmaker likewise recognized the efforts of the responders and volunteers for their “bravery and tireless dedication.”

“Your efforts represent the true Filipino spirit of “bayanihan” — showing us that even in our darkest hours, there is always someone ready to lend support, ready to lift another up,” he said.

On October 25, Kristine exited PAR, but the number of affected individuals due to its impact continues to increase.

Based on the latest report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Kristine affected over 8.6 million people nationwide and reportedly killed 150 persons.