The Marcos administration has requested assistance from the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) to support ongoing relief operations in areas devastated by Severe Tropical Storm Crising.

In a press briefing following his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the relief coordination is being carried out through the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites, enabling swift deployment of aid to flood- and landslide-affected communities.

“As a matter of fact, Admiral (Samuel) Paparo, the commander of the Indo-Pacific Command of the United States, left early upon our suggestion na makabalik na siya para maumpisahan na ang pagdala ng tulong para sa ating mga naging biktima dito sa Crising,” President Marcos told reporters.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., who joined the President during the press conference, said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and USINDOPACOM are working closely to deploy critical capabilities to the hardest-hit areas.

Teodoro added that relief goods have already been prepositioned in EDCA sites, including in Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, as more weather disturbances threaten to worsen the situation in the already affected regions.

“What we need as of this time, not yet, but we foresee because of the merging of the two tropical depressions and the incoming monsoons, that we will need their assistance in terms of airlift and other capabilities,” he said.

Citing high cost of deployment, Teodoro underscored the importance of streamlined coordination to prevent inefficiencies such as underutilized cargo space, excessive flight hours, and unproductive ship movements.

While on official visit in Washington, President Marcos continued to oversee the government’s disaster response and monitor situation reports.

The President and his official delegation departed Washington, D.C., on July 22 at 4:42 p.m. local time, en route to the Philippines. | PND