Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. assured Filipinos that the national government remains actively engaged in disaster response efforts, even as top officials are attending engagements overseas.

“Our President constantly instructed me before I left to closely monitor the relief efforts, rescue efforts, and various coordinated responses of our government to Typhoon Crising,” Teodoro said.

“Even though we are here discussing important issues, we are focused as chairpersons of the NDRRMC and the Office of Civil Defense—our inter-agency coordinating cell where we are monitoring 24/7 and trying not only to respond to the needs of our victims but also to anticipate what needs to be done next,” he added.

Teodoro said he has directed the Armed Forces of the Philippines to coordinate with the United States Indo-Pacific Command to strengthen the country’s disaster response capabilities in the wake of Typhoon Crising and the ongoing southwest monsoon.

He also confirmed that he had spoken with AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner and instructed him to utilize Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites to prepare resources needed for calamity response.

On the relief side, Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian assured Teodoro that relief goods have been prepositioned and are ready for deployment.

“Rest assured that our President is focused 24/7, and here in America, our counterparts, the US Indo-PACOM, are talking to General Brawner to see where they can help,” Teodoro said.

He also noted that Japan and other allies have offered their assistance, emphasizing how international military partnerships can help the country deal with natural disasters more effectively.