President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivers his speech during the official opening of the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) held at Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on October 15, 2024. Noel B. Pabalate, PPA pool

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on Friday assured Filipinos that "help is on the way" following the lashing of severe tropical storm "Kristine" in different parts of the country.

• Kristine affects 3.3 million Filipinos, tens of thousands still in shelters - DSWD

"I make this pledge to our people: Help is on the way. It will come by land, air, and, even by sea... [On Thursday] we started sending aid and commenced rescue operations in the areas affected by STS Kristine. Today, we will continue sending our help and aid," Marcos said in a statement.

Marcos said he has ordered the mobilization of government assets to deliver aid and rescue to typhoon victims, adding that "all personnel leaves, except for medical reasons and those with humanitarian justifications, in the uniformed services, are deemed cancelled."

• Signal no 2 still up in NCR, parts of Luzon; Kristine to exit as Leon nears

"I have ordered the full mobilization of available AFP personnel and resources which can be committed to relief operations. Other uniformed agencies such as the PNP, BFP and the Philippine Coast Guard are likewise placed under that status," he said.

"I have ordered them to deploy vehicles, aircraft, boats, ships and all other transportation assets for, first rescue, and then relief and rehabilitation. This includes presidential helicopters," Marcos added.

• Air Force rescues people stranded in Paranaque, floods subside in parts of NCR

More than 3.3 million Filipinos have been affected by the onslaught of Kristine all over the country, with thousands still reeling from the effects of the storm, the Department of Social Welfare and Development said Friday. 

• Several sea mishaps recorded as 'Kristine' roars across Luzon

As of 4 a.m. Friday, the center of severe tropical storm Kristine was estimated based on all available data at 125 km West Northwest of Bacnotan, La Union. 

• Kristine wrecks cottages in 'Surfing Capital of the North'

Signal no. 2 remains hoisted in Metro Manila and parts of Luzon even as Kristine is set to exit the Philippine area of responsibility later today.

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