MANILA – At least one person has reportedly died in the aftermath of Typhoon Pepito in Camarines Norte, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said on Monday.
But according to the Chief Executive, “Kahit papaano sa lakas ng ‘Pepito’, hindi kasing sama ng kinakatakutan, it wasn’t as bad as we feared.”
It is, however, very unfortunate that someone died due to Pepito, which was on Super Typhoon category during the weekend, he added.
“We have been monitoring Pepito all night. Unfortunately, I am sorry and saddened to report that mayroon tayong casualty na isa sa Camarines Norte,” Marcos said.
“One casualty is a casualty too many, so that is unfortunate,” the President lamented.
President Marcos further said that, with the worst of the typhoon over, the government would continue relief and rescue efforts in areas hit by Pepito.
“We will now carry on with the rescue of those isolated areas, and continuing relief for those who have been displaced and have no means to prepare their meals and no water supplies. Yung ating relief na ating ginagawa,” Marcos said.
“Kailangang pasalamatan natin lahat ng mga responders, lahat ng mga local government units, lahat ng nagtatrabaho, pang-anim na nila ito. I am sure they are exhausted (but) they continue to work as hard as they can,” he added.
The Chief Executive also took the opportunity to thank Filipinos for heeding government bulletins, which he said minimized the effects of the typhoon.
“Kaya ako’y nagpapasalamat sa kanila at sa taongbayan din. Sila ay tumutulong hangga’t kaya at sinusundan naman ng ating mga bulletins tungkol sa kung anong kailangang gawin,” Marcos said.
He added: “Sana pagdating ng Pasko, tayong mga Pilipino alalahanin naman natin ang mga kababayan na sinasalanta. Kahit papaano sana, yung ating gawing pamamasko, ipamahagian natin sa kanila, kawawa naman at naghihirap.”/PN
