President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued Proclamation 728, declaring Nov. 4 as a Day of National Mourning, in solidarity with the bereaved families and loved ones of those who perished due to the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.
With the President’s October 30 issuance signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, the national flag shall be flown at half-mast from sunrise to sunset on all government buildings and installations across the country and abroad on Monday, in accordance with Republic Act (RA) 8491 and following the issuance of Proclamation 728.
Based on the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 8491, or the “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines,” the Philippine Flag shall be flown at half-mast on all buildings and places where it is displayed as a sign of mourning during tragedies of national significance, as ordered by the Office of the President.
President Marcos encouraged Filipinos to offer prayers for those who lost their lives in the tragedy.
From Oct. 21 to 25, Kristine brought torrential rains and violent winds triggering widespread flooding and landslides.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that as of October 30, Severe Tropical Storm Kristine affected a total of 1,788,630 families or 7,033,922 individuals. It also resulted in 139 casualties. | PND
