Daanbantayan council urged: Declare calamity

CEBU, Philippines - The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office has suggested to place Daanbantayan under a state of calamity because of the upsurge of dengue cases in the town.

PDRRMO chief Baltazar Tribunalo expressed concern over the municipal council’s alleged refusal to make the declaration.

The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has already recommended for the council to make the declaration but the town councilors were allegedly hesitant for fear that it will only create panic among their constituents.

However, Tribunalo described the body’s apprehension as ‘irrational.’

He said the council should have taken into account the threat present in the town and the immediate needs of their constituents.

He added that the declaration would hasten the response of the municipal government during emergency situations.

“There are immediate purchases that we have to consider unya magsige lang diay ta’g pananghid sa council? Whereas kung ma-declare ang state, dali na lang ang pag-respond,” he told reporters.

Should there be loss of lives resulting from the failure of the local officials to address the needs of their constituents during critical situations, Tribunalo said they may be held liable for dereliction of duty under the Republic Act 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act.

The declaration of state of calamity allows a local government to utilize its quick response fund for emergency purchases.

Tribunalo said the disaster council should ensure first that its response plan and activities are in place before declaring a state of calamity so as to provide safety mechanism in spending the quick response fund.

“Kung wa kay response plan, di pod gyod mosugot ang council nga mag-declare,” he said.

Daanbantayan Mayor Augusto Corro earlier believes that politics was behind the refusal of the council to declare calamity state since majority of its members is not his ally.

Tribunalo is hoping that politics would be set aside during emergency situations so as not to derail the operation of the government and sacrifice the needs of their constituents.

Teams from Provincial Health Office and PDRRMO have been conducting inspections and misting operations in areas with possible breeding ground of mosquitoes.

As of yesterday, the town recorded 76 cases of dengue, including one fatality.  (FREEMAN)