Duterte visits Biliran to assess damage wrought by ‘Urduja’

President Rodrigo Duterte speaks at the 7th LGBT Year-end Gathering at The Tent in Azuela Cove Lanang, Davao City on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. (Photo from an RTVM video)

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday condemned the ambush by alleged members of the New people’s Army (NPA) to soldiers providing relief to victims of Tropical Storm “Urduja” in Northern Samar.

READ: 2 soldiers injured in ambush by NPA rebels in Northern Samar

Duterte made the remarks during his visit to storm-ravaged Biliran, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said.

“[The President} conveyed his condemnation of the NPA attack on humanitarian soldiers engaged in humanitarian work in [Northern] Samar, reiterating that this is the reason why he has opted to cease all talks with the NPA,” Roque said in an audio statement sent to reporters.

He said the President, accompanied by most members of his Cabinet, met with Biliran Gov. Gerardo Espina Jr. and all the mayors.

“He of course condoled with the victims of typhoon Urduja and pledged that government will do everything it can to help Biliran rise again,” Roque said.

Duterte asked the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to monitor if there were price surges, he added..

“He directed the DPWH [Department of Public Works and Highways] to finish the two bridges that were damaged in Naval, Biliran in less than 30 days,” he said.

Roque said Duterte was also informed that the airports in Tacloban and in Ormoc in Leyte were already operating.

“He directed DILG [Department of the Interior and Local Government] to intensify rescue operations for individuals who are still missing,” he said.

The President also announced that a total of 25,000 food packs were coming – 15,000 from Cebu and 10,000 from elsewhere.

Roque said the mayors had an open forum where they expressed concern that it was not just Naval that suffered damage but also the other towns.

The President asked them to submit a list of projects they would need for their towns.

“Grace Casil, mayor of Biliran, warned that food supplies in Biliran will only last until today, and the President said that if the supplies don’t come soon enough he will order the Air Force to airlift food supplies,” he said. /atm