MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos on Tuesday raised the need for improved coordination between the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and local government units (LGUs), particularly in times of disaster and emergency.

The President made this remark in a situation briefing with officials of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)  in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.

“I think that is something that we can improve on, the coordination between the LGUs and BARMM. And then ‘yung procedures. I know that you are just drawing up your procedures now. But you can see kung bakit this is so important,” the chief executive said.

Marcos noted that better response coordination is vital in order to address the needs of those affected by the calamity while at the same time reducing the impacts of disasters.

“Kaya ko kayo laging minamadali tungkol diyan because para pag may mga ganito eh alam natin kaagad ‘yung gagawin, alam ninyo ‘yung coordination ninyo sa LGU,” the President pointed out.

He also stressed the need for joint operations to maximize government resources.

“I notice na yung BARMM saka yung LGU, wala kayong joint operation. You have to have joint operation to maximize all of your assets. There is only so much, kaya kailangan naka-focus.

“The different areas, siyempre mayroong lugar mas maraming tao ang BARMM, mayroong lugar mas maraming tao ang LGU, so i-join ninyo ang forces ninyo para ma-maximize natin. Kailangan gandahan natin yung coordination,” the President said.

Marcos earlier expressed disappointment over the reported high death toll in Maguindanao.

According to Maguindanao Governor Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu,  61 deaths have been recorded so far in the province, with 17 still missing following the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Paeng.

Marcos has called on BARMM officials and other government agencies to step up search and rescue operations in the province as well as relief distribution in areas hit by the storm.

Areas affected by landslides include Barangay Kusiong in Datu Odin Sinsuat; Barangays Maagabo Bayanga Sur Norte and Kabugaw Sapad in Matanog; and Barangays Romonggaob and Looy in South Upi.

Marcos is in Maguindanao to lead government aid distribution efforts and assure families affected by the storm that a wide range of assistance is in place to help them get back on their feet.

The President earlier led an aerial inspection over the province. (PND)