BARMM declares state of calamity due to El Niño

MANILA, Philippines — The government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has declared a state of calamity, citing the harsh effects of El Niño.

According to BARMM’s Office of the Chief Minister (OCM) Proclamation No. 002 s. 2024, the declaration was made to aid affected communities and expedite the significant interventions of the interim government, including response operations and recovery efforts.

“This declaration will effectively control the prices of the basic goods and commodities for the affected areas and afford the BARMM and its LGUs (local government units) ample latitude to utilize and appropriate funds for rescue, recovery, relief, and rehabilitation efforts of, and to continue to provide basic services to, affected populations, in accordance with the law,” the document provides.

READ: El Niño sends 131 areas into state of calamity

The proclamation also directed BARMM ministries, offices, and agencies to adopt necessary measures to address the ongoing calamity.

“All ministries and other government agencies concerned are hereby directed to implement and execute medical assistance, relief, and rehabilitation work in accordance with pertinent operational plans and directives,” it stipulates.

Under Republic Act No. 11054, otherwise known as the Bangsamoro Organic Law, the Chief Minister has the power to proclaim a state of calamity during the occurrence of natural disasters that damage life or property in the region.

The OCM said a 39°C heat index was recorded in mainland BARMM on May 1.

The latest forecast from the state weather bureau shows that it may peak further to 41°C on May 2.