Duterte to visit affected areas by Taal restiveness

January 14, 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte said on Monday night that he would visit the areas affected by the Taal Volcano eruption on Tuesday.

"Yes, I will go around tomorrow...I want to visit all the affected areas," Duterte told reporters in Taguig City.

But he said he was warned by his doctor to be careful because of the ashfall brought by the volcano's phreatic explosion.

Duterte also said the government would provide free N95 face masks, which prices went as high as P200 per piece due to increased demand.

"For those who cannot afford it, we will give it free," he said.

Duterte warned those hoarding the masks that he would go after them.

"They are cheap. Do not hoard it. If you hoard these, then I will be forced to order go after you," he said.

Meanwhile, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said that based on the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the suspension of classes in all levels and work in government in Batangas province shall remain in force on Tuesda until further advice by the local government units concerned.

But he said the suspension shall not apply to frontline response agencies involved in disaster response, delivery or basic and health service, and/or other vital services.

"The private sector is highly encouraged to suspend work for the safety of their employees," Medialdea said.

Meanwhile, he said work in government in the National Capital Region, Region 3 and the rest of Region 4 or Calabarzon shall resume on Tuesday. 

Suspension of classes shall be left to the discretion of the local executives who are in the best position to assess the situation in their areas of responsibility, Medialdea said. Celerina Monte/DMS