Evacuees' processing back to Villamor Airbase; NDRRMC denies 'turf war'

MANILA, Philippines - The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Friday said that "miscoordination" between concerned agencies helping survivors of super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) is the reason for the pulling out of the processing site from Villamor Airbase in Pasay City to Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

During a media briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, NDRRMC executive director Eduardo del Rosario said the confusion started after authorities anticipated the influx of survivors being flown into Villamor Airbase from hard-hit areas by the powerful storm.

"Nagkaroon ng miscoordination in a preparation for the possible increase ng mga Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) sa Region 8. Nakita natin ang operations sa Villamor na maliit na yung lugar.  So we looked for an alternative place or a place na magku-complement dun sa Villamor Airbase operation," Del Rosario said.

However, when National Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin learned of the transfer, he immediately gave orders to continue and revert operations to Villamor.

"He gave instructions na ipagpatuloy ang operation dun sa Villamor Airbase while looking for a more suitable place dahil may kalayuan itong Aguinaldo. Dapat kung magkaroon tayong another site for processing of the IDPs, it must be near the airport. So everything is now settled and running smoothly. Balik na sa Villamor Airbase yung processing of internally displaced persons," Del Rosario said.

He said that all refugees who were transported via C-130s will be processed in Villamor Airbase while those who would be coming from roll-on roll-off ships or by bus, will be processed in a separate place "nearer the airport."

Civilian organizers of "Oplan Hatid" announced on Wednesday night that they are stopping the relief operations the Villamor Airbase because the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will be moving the processing of the refugees from Eastern Visayas to Camp Aguinaldo started on Thursday.

Junep Ocampo, one of the organizers, alleged that the real reason behind the transfer is a "turf war" between the DSWD and members of the Philippine Air Force Ladies' club, whose members are wives of the officers of the military unit.

Meanwhile, Del Rosario denied reports that some of the evacuees being flown to Villamor Airbase are members of the New People's Army, which was also being blamed for the relocation of the processing site.

"Kung miyembro ng NPA ang IDPs we welcome them as citizens. Kababayan din natin 'yan kahit ano pa ang iyong political beliefs. Kapag ikaw ay nalagay sa kapahamakan at nangangailangan ka ng tulong ng gobyerno, ang gobyerno ay handang tumulong kahit kanino," Del Rosario said.

"Let us dwell on the positive side of this issue. We have resumed operations in Villamor. Everything is okay and running smoothly," he added.