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Source: abs-cbnnews.com

-- The United Nations has promised to expand its appeal for international humanitarian assistance to cover those that have been affected by Typhoon Pepeng (Parma), Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. revealed Tuesday.

Teodoro, who is the concurrent chairman of the Camp Aguinaldo-based National Disaster Coordinating Council, said the revised flash appeal is expected to be completed next week.

“It is going to be expanded, that is the assurance by the UN to me. They are still making rounds and they already have initial findings. We met last the other day and they are going to present to me the amendments by next week maybe,” said Teodoro.

The UN issued a flash appeal for international humanitarian assistance several weeks ago, hoping to raise $74 million for the victims of Tropical Storm Ondoy (Ketsana) which battered Metro Manila and Southern Tagalog late last month. At least $50 million in relief aid has been raised following the flash appeal, Teodoro said.

The defense chief said the revision of the flash appeal will include victims of Pepeng.

“They said Pepeng will be included by next week. It's not a simple matter that we include the victims of Pepeng. We have to identify the affected people, where are they, what are the things that has to be done for them. This involves thick documents,” he said.