Aquino orders continuous search and rescue operations

The newly-acquired rubber boats following blessing ceremony Wednesday at Philippine Coastguard in Manila, in preparation for the onslaught of super typhoon Haiyan which is expected to make a landfall in central Philippines this weekend. INQUIRER PHOTO / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines—President Benigno Aquino III has directed all government agencies to conduct “continuous search and rescue” operations to ensure that all families and community members are accounted for.

“The President has directed all government agencies to conduct continuous search and rescue activities to ensure that, at the barangay level, all families and community members are accounted for,” Secretary Herminio Coloma, head of the Presidential Communications Operations Office, said in a statement on Friday.

“Special attention is being given to areas that may have been isolated from town centers in the aftermath of the typhoon,” he added.

While there was a low number of reported casualties from the onslaught of Supertyphoon “Yolanda,” Malacañang urged everyone to remain vigilant until the typhoon leaves the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday morning.

“We commend our countrymen for heeding the call of the government to take the necessary safety precautions and for following the evacuation measures that have been put in place by local government officials especially those residing in danger zones and high-risk areas,” Coloma said.