Marcos promises rubber boats for Naga rescue

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has assured that rubber boats requested by Naga City local government unit (LGU) and former Vice President Leni Robredo for rescue operations will be sent as soon as it is safe to access the area.

Marcos made this announcement during a situation briefing with various government agencies at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council headquarters in Quezon City on Wednesday, reiterating his commitment to provide assets like rubber boats for flood-affected areas.

Naga LGU and Robredo separately requested rubber boats via Facebook posts on Tuesday due to the need for vehicles that can navigate floodwaters between 1.5 to 2 meters deep, with many rescue trucks becoming inoperable.

Interior Secretary Juanito Victor 'Jonvic' Remulla Jr. reported at least 300 barangays in Naga City were submerged, urgently needing rubber boats and six-by-six trucks for evacuations.

Three fatalities have been reported in the Bicol Region due to Tropical Storm Kristine, with one person missing and six injured as of Wednesday morning.