ODIONGAN, Romblon (PIA) -- The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) are now conducting relief and rescue operations in the province of Palawan, following the aftermath of Typhoon Odette.

In a statement, Transporation Assistant Secretary Goddes Libiran said that 'two (2) Philippine Coast Guard SHIPS [BRP Capones (4404) and BRP Cape Engano (4411)] are already there.

"In fact, according to PCG Commandant Admiral Leopoldo Laroya, these PCG vessels have been prepositioned there prior to the landfall of #Odette. Rest assured that the Philippine Coast Guard have been tirelessly conducting relief and rescue operations in the province, in coordination with the DSWD and the PGU/LGU," according to Asec Libiran.

Libiran also said that DOTr Secretary Art Tugade already instructed all transport agencies, both local and national, to extend all the necessary help and assistance to aid all Palaweños.

Meanwhile, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management spokeperson Mark Timbal, in a press conference, said that BRP Cape Engano departed Puerto Princesa en route to affected areas to deliver relief goods supplied by the provincial disaster management office.

Timbal also added that efforts to restore communications in the province is ongoing. (PJF/PIA Mimaropa)