Sen Go urges Filipinos to remain vigilant and prioritize safety as Typhoon Kristine devastates many regions
Sen  Go urges Filipinos to remain vigilant and prioritize safety as Typhoon Kristine devastates many regions
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has urged citizens in typhoon-affected areas, particularly in the affected regions like Bicol, to prioritize their safety and cooperate with authorities as Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami) continues to wreak havoc, causing widespread flooding and casualties.

Go emphasized the importance of staying alert and following government advisories as search and rescue operations intensify in the hardest-hit areas. "Sa mga kababayan nating nasa mga apektadong lugar, mag-ingat po tayo at makinig sa mga babala ng mga otoridad. Importante na maging alerto at sumunod sa mga evacuation orders para maiwasan ang kapahamakan," Go said.

Typhoon Kristine has submerged entire villages in the Bicol region, displacing thousands and cutting off access to some communities. As of Thursday morning, at least 20 fatalities have been reported, with victims from Naga City, Catanduanes, Albay, and other provinces in the region. Many of the deaths were caused by drowning or landslides triggered by the storm.

Rescue teams, including the Philippine National Police (PNP), have been deployed to assist stranded residents. However, the heavy flooding, especially in Naga City and the town of Nabua, has made rescue operations challenging, with many still trapped on rooftops awaiting evacuation.

Go reiterated the importance of disaster preparedness and stressed that all Filipinos should take every possible precaution. "Huwag po nating balewalain ang kalamidad na ito. Siguraduhin natin ang kaligtasan ng ating pamilya at makipag-ugnayan sa mga otoridad kung kinakailangan ng tulong," Go urged.

As the storm continues to move westward, Go reminded the public to be proactive in safeguarding their homes and ensuring they have essential supplies ready in case of extended power outages or further flooding. 

"Mahalaga po na laging handa. Kung maaari, mag-imbak ng pagkain, tubig, at iba pang pangangailangan para hindi maipit sa oras ng emergency," he added.

The senator, known for his active engagement in disaster response efforts, underscored his call for communities to work together during this difficult time. He encouraged those in less affected areas to extend a helping hand to their neighbors and volunteer in relief efforts. "Sa ganitong panahon, ang bayanihan at pagmamalasakit sa kapwa ang ating pinakamalakas na sandata. Kung kaya nating tumulong sa iba, gawin natin," Go stated.

Meanwhile, Go, known for his long-standing advocacy for disaster resilience, emphasized the urgent need for a more robust approach to disaster resilience and preparedness in the country. Go has been at the forefront of pushing for legislative measures aimed at enhancing disaster management. Among these is Senate Bill No. 188, also known as the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR) Act, which seeks to create a specialized department dedicated solely to disaster preparedness and response.

Additionally, Go co-sponsored and is the principal author of SBN 2451, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which aims to establish fully functional mandatory evacuation centers nationwide. These centers will serve as safe havens for affected residents during calamities and ensure that basic needs such as shelter, food, and medical assistance are met.

As Typhoon Kristine continues to impact other parts of the country, Go urged everyone to remain calm but prepared. He emphasized that the safety of individuals and families should be the top priority and that citizens should avoid taking unnecessary risks. 

"Kaligtasan po muna bago ang lahat. Mag-ingat at magdasal tayo. Pahalagahan natin ang buhay ng bawat isa," Go said.

PAGASA, the national weather bureau, has warned that the severe tropical storm will continue to bring strong winds and heavy rains as it crosses Northern Luzon. The public is advised to stay updated on weather reports and be ready to evacuate if necessary.

“Tulungan natin ang ating mga kababayang apektado sa anumang paraan. Sa gitna ng mga pagsubok na ito, patuloy ang ating pagseserbisyo sa abot ng ating makakaya,” he ended, emphasizing his team’s readiness to provide help as much as they can to affected communities. 

Senator Bong Go

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