President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. 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 the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.
The proclamation, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on October 30, mandates that the national flag be flown at half-mast from sunrise to sunset on all government buildings and installations across the country and abroad on Monday.
This action is in accordance with Republic Act (RA) 8491, following the issuance of Proclamation 728.
According to the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 8491, known as the “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines,” the Philippine Flag is to be flown at half-mast on all buildings and places where it is displayed as a sign of mourning during tragedies of national significance, as ordered by the Office of the President.
President Marcos encouraged Filipinos to offer prayers for those who lost their lives in this tragedy.
From October 21 to 25, Kristine unleashed torrential rains and violent winds, triggering widespread flooding and landslides.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that as of October 30, Severe Tropical Storm Kristine affected a total of 1,788,630 families, or 7,033,922 individuals. The storm also resulted in 139 casualties.
