President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday told those reeling from floods after successive typhoons that help is coming and that he formed a task force to ensure that red tape will not hobble disaster response.
Duterte said he mobilized the Armed Forces of the Philippines and government assets to rescue those who are still trapped in their homes.
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Millions posts on Facebook and Twitter with the hashtag #CagayanNeedsHelp illustrated massive flooding in the valley region that bore the brunt of rain water from the mountains, seasonal monsoon rains and water release from the Magat Dam.
"Yung tulong will be coming," Duterte said. "Binibigyan ko sila ng timeline na gumawa ng mga hakbang na yan na, walang delay at i-cut yung red tape para mabilis ang takbo ng tulong sa tao."
"Kaya natin ito," the President said. "Ilang pahirap na ng panahon, babangon din tayo. Mahirap pero... ang Pilipino, alam niyang tumindig muli."
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