DILG issues disaster response guidelines

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has released guidelines for local executives to follow during man-made and natural calamities to ensure the safety of their constituents.

DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo has issued Memorandum Circular No. 2012-35 last February 21 directing all governors, mayors, barangay captains, DILG regional and city directors, and other government officials concerned, to conduct training, orientation and information dissemination on the possible natural hazards and climate change risks “in a language understood” by their constituents.

The circular, entitled “Guidelines in Ensuring Public Safety during Man-made and Natural Disasters” was already posted at the DILG Web site.

Under the guidelines, local chief executives must see to it that trainings, orientations and other activities and information related to possible natural hazards must be intensified especially at the onset of the rainy season as declared by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

The Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, for its part, has been tasked to determine and recommend to local officials “the timely declaration of forced evacuation” as well as to identify evacuation centers.

Also, the moment public storm warning signal number 1 is raised by PAG-ASA, the headquarters of the Philippine Coast Guard must see to it that vessels of 1,000 gross tons or below shall not sail, except to take shelter.

The DILG also encouraged local government to enact ordinances for the implementation of force evacuation when a disaster or emergency has been declared, and the prohibition of fishing vessels and fishing activities in areas declared by PAG-ASA.

The forced evacuation, however, should be carried out in a manner that is humane, respectful of the dignity of the persons and not to be done in force.

The circular also stated that all emergency measures adopted shall be a coordinative and collaborative effort between the local officials of the affected local government units, Bureau of Fire Protection units and the police units within the area.

The BFP and PNP’s assistance and resources shall be maximized during the implementation of forced evacuation.

 Robredo warned that failure to comply with the guidelines by the responsible government officials will be ground for the filing of the appropriate charges against them.  (FREEMAN)