BARMM declares state of calamity due to El Niño

The Bangsamoro government has declared a state of calamity in the region due to the adverse effects of the El Niño phenomenon.

The Office of the Chief Minister (OCM) issued Proclamation 002 s. 2024, which seeks to help affected communities and expedite the significant interventions of the interim government, including response operations and recovery efforts.
 
“This declaration will effectively control the prices of the basic goods and commodities for the affected areas and afford the BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) and its LGUs (local government unit) ample latitude to utilize and appropriate funds for rescue, recovery, relief, and rehabilitation efforts of, and to continue to provide basic services to, affected populations, in accordance with the law,” the proclamation read.

Further, the proclamation called on concerned BARMM ministries, offices, and agencies (MOAs) to exert the necessary measures to address the ongoing calamity.
 
“All ministries and other government agencies concerned are hereby directed to implement and execute medical assistance, relief, and rehabilitation work in accordance with pertinent operational plans and directives,” the document read.

Under Republic Act 11054, otherwise known as the Bangsamoro Organic Law, the chief minister has the power to proclaim a state of calamity during the occurrence of natural disasters that damage life or property in the region.
 
As of May 1, the mainland BARMM recorded a heat index of 39°C, according to the latest forecast of weather bureau PAGASA. — VDV, GMA Integrated News