DOF orders immediate release of seized rice to DSWD as 'Ompong' approachesMANILA, Philippines — Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has ordered the Bureau of Customs to immediately release seized smuggled rice and other food items to the Department of Social Welfare and Development to augment government preparations for the onslaught of typhoon Ompong (international name: Mangkhut). According to the Finance chief, “government-to-government transfers in emergency situations can be legally fast-tracked” as in the case of the BOC release of the seized food stocks to the DSWD for disaster relief. Ten areas in Luzon have been placed under Signal No. 3 Friday morning as "Ompong" barrels toward the Philippine landmass. "Ompong" continues to threaten Northern Luzon and is forecast to make landfall in Cagayan-Isabela area early Saturday morning.

Source: Philippine Star September 14, 2018 08:14 UTC