MANILA -- The police and the military were given instruction to use their assets in relief and rehabilitation efforts, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte assured local chief executives after they raised concerns on the difficulty of reaching isolated areas affected by Typhoon Odette.

“When I came here, I also called for a meeting with all the generals of the Army, Navy, Police, and the Air Force,” President Duterte said during a meeting with local officials in Cebu City Thursday.

“I told them to utilize all government resources to meet the challenges brought by the problem that we are facing now. It’s a big problem. So they came here and I gave my directives.”

With regard to a particular concern on the need for a seacraft to reach survivors, the President said he would convey the message to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

According to the President, he instructed the PCG to bring all its small ships in Cebu so that the vessels can be used for the distribution of relief goods especially in areas that cannot be accessed by vehicles.

Responding to the reported oil spill in Lapu-Lapu City, the chief executive said he will report it to Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, noting the DENR has the equipment that can be used in containing and cleaning up the oil spill.

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan told the President that the PCG has already located the oil spill, and its personnel are working from the passenger ship.

Chan reported that 42 ships ran aground in mainland Lapu-Lapu City during the onslaught of the typhoon, and the vessels haven’t been pulled out. Two other ships had completely sunk and are causing the oil spill.

One of the ships sunk in Punta Engaño, a popular tourist spot in Lapu-Lapu City, he said, adding they fear this could affect people’s livelihood.

Also during his meeting with Cebu officials, President Duterte said the National Housing Authority (NHA) will provide P100-million worth of housing materials for each province affected by Typhoon Odette.

“The National Housing Authority will give 100 million per province and the DILG will supervise it to make sure that everything goes smoothly,” he said. “The military and the police will be there to maintain peace and order.” (PND)