President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to conduct relief operations and assist thousands of residents affected by massive flooding in Maguindanao del Sur.

According to PCSO General Manager Mel Robles, 16 barangays currently staying at an evacuation center in Datu Piang have received 1,000 food packs containing instant noodles, canned goods, and potable water.

Nearly 8,000 families have been affected by the flooding, according to the Datu Piang Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

Robles said the PCSO mobilized its Authorized Agent Corporation, 5A Royal Gaming OPC in Maguindanao del Sur, to lead the distribution of food packs to flood victims in Datu Piang.

He added that 2,500 “Charitimba” or food packs in “charity” pails were airlifted to affected residents on Sunday.

The relief distribution is being conducted in coordination with the Philippine National Police.

“Our commitment is unwavering. We will not stop until we see to it that all the affected residents have received the necessary food and medical assistance,” Robles said.

Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur, has been under a state of calamity since March 20 due to flooding triggered by the intertropical convergence zone.