PRO-7 delivers first batch of relief assistance to Bicol

CEBU, Philippines —  At least P1.3-million worth of relief goods from Cebu is now on its way to the typhoon-ravaged areas in the Bicol region.

Police Regional Office-7 director Brigadier General Albert Ignatius Ferro said a team, led by Lt. Colonel Regie Rea, left Cebu yesterday on board the BRP Pangasinan of the Philippine Navy to deliver the first batch of help to the affected areas in Bicol.

"This will be the initial of our relief operations for our brothers and sisters in Bicol,” Ferro said.

The donations were gathered through the cooperation of the different groups and the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV). The regional police command spearheaded the donation campaign dubbed as “Food Bank On Wheels” for the people affected by super typhoon Rolly in the Bicolandia.

The first batch of relief goods includes 500 sacks of rice from the Cristina Lee Dino Foundation (CLDF), canned goods, mineral water, and 100 portable stoves for cooking.

According to Ferro, the personnel sending the assistance will also help in the distribution.

Ferro was thankful to the Philippine Navy for the help in transporting the donations. He said it was timely that BRP Pangasinan was in Cebu to take shelter from the typhoon.

Ferro also expressed his gratitude for the 'overwhelming support' extended by the people of Central Visayas, particularly the private individuals.

"This will only be the initial, the other help will be soon collected and will be delivered," said Ferro.

Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Secretary Michael Lloyd Dino said he immediately facilitated the donation of 500 sacks of rice from the foundation when Ferro told him about the relief campaign.

"We will provide PRO 7 with whatever they need. We have initially promised to take care of the logistics of his men going to Region 5 including the wing vans that will be used to store all the donations they are now collecting," Dino said in a statement. — FPL (FREEMAN)