‘VERY UNFORTUNATE’ | Looting, higher prices seen in Siargao after Typhoon Odette, says Andanar

December 21, 2021 , 01:55 PM

By Beatrice Puente

(December 21, 2021) – Some victims have resorted to looting to get basic needs following the onslaught of Typhoon Odette as costs of food and fuel increase, the secretary of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) said on Tuesday.

Martin Andanar, who went to Siargao Island on Monday, lamented the disastrous situation that has forced the people to take extreme measures to survive. He said residents have no other choice since the island, which is separated from mainland Mindanao, was almost entirely wiped out.

“To tell you frankly, nagsimula na ang looting sa iba’t ibang lugar, sa Siargao—walang pakundangan, wala nang pakialam,” said Andanar on One News’ Agenda. “It’s very unfortunate.”

Andanar, likening the situation to the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, said stranded locals and tourists also face high prices of food, gasoline, and transportation. He said a liter of gasoline is at P100 to P120 or about twice as much as the original price. Those who want to reach mainland Surigao del Norte allegedly paid P2,000 to P10,000 each.

While price control would help, Andanar stressed that the problem might still persist due to the limited supply of goods.

“Definitely there’s a need for price control. We did that during Yolanda in Tacloban pero wala namang magagawa ‘yung mga price control na ‘yan kung mismong ‘yung mga nagpapatupad ay gutom din, kanya-kanyang kumpuni ng bahay. Kung hindi dumadating ‘yung pagkain, mahirap,” said Andanar.

Public officials and non-government organizations (NGOs) are working together to bring relief goods to victims of Typhoon Odette in Visayas and Mindanao. The PCOO also brought food supplies to Siargao Island but admitted they were not enough to cover the needs of all residents affected.

Andanar advised donors to prioritize basic goods such as food, potable water, gasoline, generator, and satellite phones, noting that other contributions like clothes and tents can follow after.

President Rodrigo Duterte vowed to raise P10 billion to help all areas hit by the strong storm, just days after claiming the government had “depleted” funds due to COVID-19.

To help the victims, Andanar said the PCOO set up satellite communications at Sayak Airport where people can go to broadcast messages to their families. He also advised tourists to fly out of Siargao Island as the popular destination spot reels from the devastation wrought by Typhoon Odette.

He also urged the Armed Forces of the Philippines to deploy more troops to enforce law and order in the area.

“‘Yung pinakamadaling solusyon na short term would be to give kilos of rice per family para kahit paano ay may makain sila ngayong Pasko at ‘di sila mag-isip na magnakaw para makakin lamang,” suggested Andanar.

(PM)

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