Talisay dad wants law that forces people to leave homes

CEBU, Philippines - A Talisay City, Cebu official is asking Mayor Johnny de los Reyes for the passage of local legislation enforcing evacuation during disasters.

Association of Barangay Councils President and City Councilor Charles Basillote said there is need to approve an ordinance that would ensure enforcement of the national laws that compels “preemptive evacuation” of people.

He cited Section 11-b-3 of Republic Act 10121, or an Act Strengthening the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System, which recommends the implementation of forced preemptive evacuation of residents in times of disasters.

He also said Section 12-c-1 and c-8 of the same law that mandates that Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils come up with measures and initiatives that ensure that interventions intended for the protection and preservation of life and properties during emergencies are consistent with national standards and guidelines. 

Talisay City Mayor Johnny De los Reyes, said he is looking to relocate residents living in coastal barangays regularly threatened by monsoon waves.

This was after waves crushed homes made of light material in barangays Poblacion, Pooc, Biasong, Dumlog and Cansojong last Sunday, causing 489 families composed of 1,439 individuals to flee with just their clothes to safer grounds.  

De los Reyes said these residents insist on living along the coastline despite the constant threat they face every time there is storm coming.

He said he cannot allow this to go on every year, preferring to have them move to a better location where they would be provided with assistance every year.

“Dili na gyud ta maghulat nga madisgrasya pa (We should not wait for a tragedy),” Delos Reyes said. 

The previous administration has already tried moving those living along the coastline to Sitio Aroma, Dumlog, but the residents insisted on returning to their old homes.   (FREEMAN)