Northern Luzon dioceses on alert to help 'Juan' victims

Catholic dioceses in Northern Luzon went on alert on Monday as they prepared to help residents affected by super typhoon "Juan" (international name: Megi). Dicoeses in Tuguegarao (Cagayan) Nueva Segovia (Ilocos Sur), Laoag (Ilocos Norte) and Ilagan (Isabela) said they will step in once government resources are exhausted. “We have prepared rice, some canned goods and used clothing for possible distribution to affected residents," Nueva Segovia Archdiocese Social Action Center directress Sr. Lilian Carranza said in an article posted on the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) news site. Several areas in Northern Luzon were placed under storm signals as "Juan" made landfall over Isabela province before noon Monday. Carranza also said they have already repacked relief goods for distribution should there be any need from any of the 40 parishes. However, she also said they are praying Ilocos Sur will be spared from the wrath of "Juan." In Cagayan, Tuguegarao Auxiliary Bishop Ricardo Baccay noted that intermittent rains and gusty winds had been felt in the province since Sunday night. Baccay was at the San Jacinto Minor Seminary in Penablanca, presiding over a meeting and monitoring reports from 45 parishes in the archdiocese. He said the Archdiocesan Social Action Center is prepared to respond to the possible needs of local residents. In Ilocos Norte, Laoag Bishop Sergio Utleg said while their Social Action Center has no capability to mount rescue operations, their personnel have been placed under “alert status" with the necessary relief goods should there be any need from any of 28 parishes. In Isabela, Ilagan Social Action Center Director Fr. Antonio Ancheta said their group will get into the picture after the resources of the provincial and municipal governments have been exhausted. “We will call on the Catholic faithful from the least affected areas and the National Secretariat of Social Action, Justice and Peace to help if there would be a need for assistance," Ancheta said. Ancheta also noted the northern towns of Isabela are prone to floods. He said they are monitoring developments from the Diocese of Ilagan’s 33 parishes. –VVP, GMANews.TV