Duterte issues proclamation declaring state of calamity in entire Luzon

November 19, 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte declared on Wednesday a state of calamity in the entire Luzon Island Group due to widespread devastation brought by the three typhoons that struck the country during the past weeks.

Under Proclamation No. 1051, Duterte said the declaration will "hasten the rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts" of the government and private sector, including any international humanitarian assistance.

The declaration will also effectively control the prices of basic goods and commodities for the affected areas and afford the national government, as well as local government units, ample latitude to utilize appropriate funds for rescue, recovery, relief, and rehabilitation efforts of, and to continue to provide basic services to, affected population, in accordance with law, he said.

The President directed all departments and other concerned government agencies to implement and execute rescue, recovery, relief, and rehabilitation work in accordance with pertinent operational plans and directives.

He also ordered the law enforcement agencies, with the support from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, to undertake all necessary measures to ensure peace and order in affected areas.

"The State of Calamity shall remain in force and effect until lifted by the President," the Proclamation read.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has recommended the declaration of state of calamity over areas severely and adversely affected by Typhoon "Quinta," Super Typhoon "Rolly," and Typhoon "Ulysses," particularly the entire Luzon Island Group. Celerina Monte/DMS