BARMM told to improve coordination with LGUs in times of disaster, emergency

MAGUINDANAO - The President said there is a need for improved coordination between the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and local governments, particularly in times of disaster and emergency, following the devastation left behind by the deadly Typhoon Nalgae.

“I think that is something that we can improve on, the coordination between the LGUs and BARMM and then ‘yung procedures. I know that you are just drawing up your procedures now. But you can see kung bakit this is so important,” President Bongbong Marcos said during a situation briefing recently with BARMM officials.

Marcos noted that better response coordination is vital in order to address the needs of those affected by the calamity while at the same time reducing the impacts of disasters.

“Kaya ko kayo laging minamadali tungkol diyan because para pag may mga ganito eh alam natin kaagad ‘yung gagawin, alam ninyo ‘yung coordination ninyo sa LGU,” he  pointed out, stressing the need for joint operations to maximize government resources.

“I noticed na yung BARMM saka yung LGU, wala kayong joint operation. You have to have joint operation to maximize all of your assets. There is only so much, kaya kailangan naka-focus. The different areas, siyempre mayroong lugar mas maraming tao ang BARMM, mayroong lugar mas maraming tao ang LGU, so i-join ninyo ang forces ninyo para ma-maximize natin. Kailangan gandahan natin yung coordination,” he said.

Marcos earlier expressed disappointment over the reported high death toll in Maguindanao province.

According to Maguindanao Governor Mariam Mangudadatu, at least 61 deaths had been recorded so far in the province, with 17 still missing following the onslaught of the typhoon.

Marcos was in Maguindanao to lead government aid distribution efforts and assure families affected by the typhoon that a wide range of assistance is in place to help them get back on their feet. (Mindanao Examiner)