On Saturday, October 29, 2022, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao was declared a disaster due to massive flooding and landslides caused by Severe Tropical Storm Paeng’s continuous rains.

After meeting with his Cabinet and the BARMM Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (DRRMC) to discuss the effects of Paeng and how to strengthen the Bangsamoro Government’s interventions, Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim declared the state of calamity.

Ebrahim also confirmed on Facebook that Paeng had affected over ten municipalities in Maguindanao, including Cotabato City.

“Ang walang tigil na pagulan simula kagabi ay nagdulot ng pag-apaw ng mga ilog at dagat na siya namang nagdulot ng landslide at matinding pag-baha,” he said.

“Kaya naman itinaas na natin sa code red ang alert level sa buong region habang kasalukuyan na ring in-activate ang atin mga emergency operation centers,” he added.

The Bangsamoro Government advised citizens living near rivers and the sea to evacuate immediately with the assistance of rescuers, as relief goods are being distributed at identified evacuation centers.