MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday led an aerial inspection over Maguindanao province, one of the hardest hit by Severe Tropical Storm "Paeng" over the weekend.

In his visit to the province, the President will also lead in the distribution of goods as well as financial assistance to families affected by the storm.

He is currently presiding over a situation briefing with officials of Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, and other local executives in Datu Odin Sinsuat.

Marcos has called on the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and other government agencies to scale up search and rescue operations in the province as well as relief distribution in areas hit by the storm.

As of Tuesday, 61 casualties have been recorded in five municipalities, according to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) in Maguindanao.

Of the figure, 42 are recorded in Datu Odin Sinsuat, eight in Upi, seven in Datu Blah Sinsuat, three in Barira, and one in South Upi.

BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim has already placed the entire region under a state of calamity.

On Monday, Marcos led the distribution of assistance to families affected by the storm in Noveleta, Cavite.

The President handed over to the evacuees in Barangay San Jose II the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) assistance, such as food packs, hygiene kits, and financial aid.

The chief executive also presided over a situation briefing of all National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and local government officials. (PND)