THE PHILIPPINE Army (PA) on Monday said it has provided manpower and logistics assistance for the joint humanitarian relief operations of the Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) Foundation Inc., and the Chinese Embassy to the victims of Severe Tropical Storm Paeng in the provinces of Laguna and Batangas.
"The PA deployed its military trucks to transport 600 sacks of rice, 600 gallons of water, and relief goods to Nicolas Galvez MNHS (Municipal National High School) Gymn, Brgy. San Antonio, Bay, Laguna, and Calitcalit Elementary School, Brgy. Calitcalit, San Juan, Batangas," PA spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said.
He said the PA troops in collaboration with the local government units and other stakeholders, actively participated in the distribution of relief goods to communities affected by the tropical cyclone.
Earlier, PA chief Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. assured that the Army is always willing to extend its help, especially during humanitarian assistance and disaster-response missions for the victims of the severe tropical storm which caused devastation in many areas in the country.
In a Facebook post, Chinese Ambassador to Manila Huang Xilian expressed hope that the "humble donation" will go a long way in aiding Filipinos who were affected by the recent calamity.
"We admire Filipinos for being optimistic despite the challenges they are facing. The Chinese and Filipino people will continue to share their love and sorrows and sustain their strong friendship," he added.
As of Tuesday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that the death toll from Paeng has climbed to 158, with 123 of these already confirmed.
In its latest situation report released, the agency said the number of verified deaths includes 63 from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM); 34 from Western Visayas; 20 from Calabarzon; three from Soccsksargen; two from Central Visayas; and one from the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
Still undergoing validation are 35 deaths -- 13 from Calabarzon; five from Eastern Visayas; four from Zamboanga Peninsula; three each from Cagayan Valley and Mimaropa; two each from Bicol, Western Visayas and Central Visayas and one from Soccsksargen.
Meanwhile, 108 out of 142 reported injured persons have already been confirmed while 23 out of 34 reported missing persons have already been validated.
Affected families are placed at 1,321,449 or 4,840,956 individuals residing in 9,795 barangays nationwide.
Families staying in 368 evacuation centers are placed at 10,333 or 45,606 persons with the remainder having returned home or being aided by relatives and friends.
Damaged houses were placed at 53,210 with 48,236 classified as "partially damaged" and 4,974 categorized as "totally damaged". (Priam Nepomuceno)
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