Palace: State of calamity may be declared in Bicol, Mimaropa, Calabarzon due to Rolly

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / JOAN BONDOC

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte will “most likely” place the Bicol region, Mimaropa, and Calabarzon under a state of calamity due to the damage caused by Typhoon Rolly, Malacañang said Monday.

“Most likely po pero ‘antayin na natin iyong papel mismo na manggagaling sa tanggapan ng Presidente,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in an online briefing when asked if the said regions will be placed under a state of calamity.

(But let’s wait for the directive coming from the President himself.)

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) earlier recommended placing the three regions under a state of calamity due to the damage it incurred following Typhoon Rolly’s brunt.

Considered as the world’ strongest storm this year, Rolly caused at least P11 billion in damages to infrastructure and agriculture, the NDRRMC said.

Meanwhile, at least 22 fatalities were recorded due to the strong typhoon.

JPV