PRESIDENT Benigno C. Aquino III yesterday ordered speedy rescue and rehabilitation efforts even as he appealed to everyone to remain calm and cooperate with the authorities with about 40 feared dead so as to ensure hastening of work to bring affected areas in the Visayas back to normality.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the President is deeply concerned about our countrymen in the affected areas, pointing out he is focused in ensuring that services resume at the possible time.

While there are no immediate plans for the President to fly to the affected areas since he is overburdened with meetings and other Palace concerns,  Valte assured that all concerned agencies were already tasked to ensure aid to affected local folks. She said that the President is updated constantly  on the situation on the ground.

“At the moment the President is concentrating on making sure that concerned agencies are giving responses that are needed, “Valte said.

She said  Aquino is busy with numerous meetings but is in constant contact with concerned officials and concerned Cabinet members to ensure timely delivery of assistance.          Efren Montano