Peace adviser lauds BARMM LGUs for disaster response efforts

COTABATO CITY – Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento has commended local government units (LGUs) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) for their “leadership, resilience, and swift response” to communities affected by Super Typhoon Inday and the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat).

Latest data from the Bangsamoro Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READi), BARMM’s disaster response unit, showed that 114,630 families, or about 573,140 individuals, in 375 barangays across the region have been affected by the severe weather.

READ: Floods affect 500,000 BARMM residents

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Of the total affected families, 4,787 are currently staying in 38 evacuation centers. Authorities also reported that 37 houses were destroyed while 564 others sustained partial damage.

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The death toll remained at seven, buried by landslides on July 10, with four still missing in Calanogas, Lanao del Sur.

The Calanogas LGU said the missing include Mujahid Abdulmajid, Norhassan Abdulwahid, Norhana Aliyasa, and Norlin Aliyasa, all residents of Barangay Ngingir. Search operations are underway to locate them.

Sarmiento said BARMM’s provincial and municipal governments have shown “remarkable courage and commitment” in responding to the crisis.

“By working closely with the national and Bangsamoro governments, these LGUs have ensured the health and safety of their constituents while continuing to carry out the day-to-day responsibilities of governance,” Sarmiento said in a statement.

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He noted that the disaster highlighted the “dedication” of local officials, who have remained on the front lines in monitoring affected communities, conducting rescue operations, and delivering much-needed relief assistance.

“They say that challenging situations bring out the best in everyone. This is exactly what BARMM’s LGUs have demonstrated over the past weeks,” he said.

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READ: Flood-hit Mindanao towns appeal for aid as death toll climbs to 21

Sarmiento also called on Bangsamoro residents to support their local leaders as recovery efforts continue.

“We must remember that our strength lies in our unity, cooperation, and resilience. LGUs may be at the forefront of relief and recovery efforts, but it is the people’s support that will ensure these interventions succeed,” he said.

The peace adviser assured the Bangsamoro people that the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) stands ready to support local governments and affected communities.

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“The national government is prepared to provide the assistance needed to help our people cope with the adverse weather conditions, recover after the storm, and rebuild their lives,” Sarmiento said./coa