The Police Regional Office in the Zamboanga Peninsula (PRO-9) has shipped some PHP300,000 worth of relief goods to the victims of Typhoon Odette in the Caraga Region.

Caraga was among the hardest-hit areas when Odette made its first landfall in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte around 1:30 p.m. on December 16.

Brig. Gen. Franco Simborio, PRO-9 director, said in statement Tuesday that they have activated “PRO-9 Ayudahan, Alay sa mga Nasalanta ng Bagyong Odette (PRO-9 Help for Victims of Typhoon Odette).”

“PRO-9 personnel immediately responded by preparing food packs and other relief goods amounting to more or less PHP300,000,” Simborio said.

The Relief Operation Team (ROT) of the PRO-9 consisting of 28 personnel arrived and turned over the relief goods to Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr., PRO-13 director, in Butuan City for distribution, according to Simborio.

The ROT transported the relief goods aboard two six-by-six trucks and two Toyota Hilux pick-up trucks.

The relief goods were composed of 165 sacks of rice, 512 boxes of noodles, 1,637 boxes of assorted canned goods, 2,100 packs of coffee, 456 packs of biscuits, 687 bottles of drinking water, 106 bottles of medicine, 216 hygiene and health kits, 50 pairs of slippers, and 17 mosquito nets.

Typhoon Odette was the 15th storm to hit the Philippines and the strongest so far this year. Its international name is Super Typhoon Rai. (PNA)