MATANOG, Maguindanao del Norte—In response to severe flooding triggered by heavy rainfall beginning July 9, 2024, various ministries and agencies from the regional and local governments have mobilized to assist affected communities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The Provincial Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) of Maguindanao del Norte announced the establishment of an incident command post in Matanog to coordinate efforts such as search and rescue operations, relief distribution, and psychosocial support.
On July 10, the Bangsamoro READi deployed a quick response team to conduct search and rescue missions in collaboration with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Air Force Philippines (AFP), and the Philippine Marines.
The Ministry of Public Works has also sent heavy equipment to aid in road clearing efforts in the region.
BARMM Services Mobilized
Following an initial assessment by the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) on July 9, it was confirmed that the floods impacted 162 families in Matanog and 486 in Barira, Maguindanao del Norte, as well as 1,845 families in Malabang, 1,617 in Balabagan, and 83 in Marogong, Lanao del Sur.
Zahara Matingao, a resident of Barangay Sapad in Matanog, expressed her shock: “It feels like a nightmare to see everything I worked hard for disappear in an instant. Alhamdulillah, my family is safe, and I am thankful for BARMM’s support in providing temporary shelter and basic needs.”
On July 10, MSSD set up 50 tents to serve as temporary shelters for displaced families in Barangay Sapad and continues to monitor the situation for other affected households.
MSSD also distributed food and non-food items, including food packs, tents, and hygiene kits, to victims on the afternoon of July 10. Additionally, the Office of the Chief Minister delivered rice, food packs, kitchenware, sleeping kits, and medicines through the Tulong Alay sa Bangsamorong Nangangailangan (TABANG) initiative on July 11.
Key officials, including Maguindanao del Norte Governor Abdulraof Macacua and MSSD Minister Atty. Raissa Jajurie, visited the affected towns to assess the situation personally. (Myrna Typadan/BIO)
