DILG watching presence of local officials in areas affected by Taal Volcano

January 15, 2020

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday said they are monitoring the presence of mayors and governors in affected areas of the Taal Volcano eruption.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said he issued a memorandum to DILG-Calabarzon (Cavite-Laguna-Batangas- Rizal- Quezon) on conduct of mandatory evacuation for barangays susceptible to Taal Volcano ballistic projectile, base surge, and volcanic tsunami.

A memorandum on the coordination mechanism for local government units  to give humanitarian assistance to Taal Volcano eruption affected areas was also issued.

"We will continue to monitor all LGUs and ensure that their needs are brought to the attention of the government and to make sure that the mayors are taking action on the needs of their constituents,” he said.

Meanwhile, LGUs in NCR were advised to coordinate with all barangays regarding the influx of evacuees from affected LGUs for security monitoring purposes and monitoring respiratory-related illnesses triggered by ash inhalation for medical assistance.

"We have also activated the NCR (National Capital Region), Calabarzon, and Central Luzon's management of the dead and missing persons clusters, and reiterated to preposition and prepare for the eventuality of immediate deployment," Año said.

DILG will also coordinate with Metro Manila LGUs for vehicles, breathing apparatus, and water purifiers they can commit for possible deployment to affected LGUs in Calabarzon for evacuation assistance.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday visited the victims of the Taal Volcano together with Año and other Cabinet secretaries in Batangas City where he gave livelihood assistance for farmers and fisherfolks affected by the eruption. Ella Dionisio./DMS