President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. offered a memorial mass on Monday for those who lost their lives during the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine in Barangay Sampaloc, Talisay Batangas.

“Nais ko pong ipaabot ang aming taos-pusong pakikiraramay sa bawat Pilipinong naapektuhan ng Bagyong Kristine,” President Marcos said in his speech during the distribution of Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk, and Families (PAFF) in Talisay, Batangas.

The President made the remarks shortly after the memorial mass, attended by approximately 100 individuals, including families of victims and residents of Ground Zero in Barangay Sampaloc.

Batangas reported the highest number of fatalities, with 61 lives lost, at least 20 of whom were from Talisay. Most deaths resulted from landslides and drowning. The entire province of Batangas is under a state of calamity.

Earlier, President Marcos issued Proclamation 728, declaring November 4 as a Day of National Mourning in solidarity with the bereaved families and loved ones of those who perished due to Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

Under Proclamation 728, the national flag shall be flown at half-mast from sunrise to sunset on all government buildings and installations across the country and abroad, in accordance with Republic Act (RA) 8491, and following the issuance of Proclamation 728. | PND