MANILA – The death toll from Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Trami) has risen to 46, with various locations throughout Luzon and the Visayas affected.

The latest data from the Office of Civil Defense reported that 28 people died in Bicol, 15 in Calabarzon, and one each in Ilocos, Central Luzon, and the Zamboanga Peninsula. These figures are currently being validated.

Additionally, reports indicate seven people have been injured and 20 are missing; authorities are still verifying these numbers.

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has mobilized its disaster response task unit from Tactical Operations Group 5 to deliver essential relief supplies to storm-affected areas in Camarines Sur. Using a KM-250 truck and a fiber boat, the PAF successfully transported relief materials to several barangays, including Centro Nabua, Barangay San Miguel, and Barangay Sto. Domingo, among others. PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo confirmed that these operations were conducted in collaboration with the Philippine Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and Philippine National Police (PNP).

In a coordinated response, the PNP has deployed 17,900 officers for rescue and relief operations. This includes 6,700 officers already on the ground, with an additional 11,200 mobilized from the Reactionary Standby Support Force. PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo announced that contingents from other police regional offices (PROs) are on their way to the Bicol Region to assist with relief efforts.

“At 11 a.m., our personnel from PRO 8 (Eastern Visayas) boarded the MV Don Antonio en route to Matnog Port in Sorsogon. We have 200 personnel there who are part of the contingent of the BFP (Bureau of Fire Protection), AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines), OCD, and the Ormoc local government unit,” Fajardo said.

“Our personnel from PRO 8 (Eastern Visayas) are currently traveling to Matnog Port in Sorsogon aboard the MV Don Antonio, with 200 personnel involved in the coordinated response efforts,” Fajardo added.

Fajardo noted that police helicopters will be deployed for search and relief operations as soon as weather conditions improve.

Relief efforts in Calabarzon face significant challenges due to impassable roads in Lopez, Quezon. Police officers are also engaged in humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and northern Luzon. Notably, over 1,000 officers from the PNP have reported that their families have also been impacted by Storm Kristine.

The situation continues to evolve as authorities work tirelessly to provide aid to affected communities.

📷 Kate Garcia, Benjie Jr Contreras, contributed photos