Roxas orders LGU executives to be on alert over Typhoon Ruby

DILG Sec. Manuel ‘Mar’ Roxas (PNA Photo)

MANILA — Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II has ordered all local government units (LGUs) which are expected to be affected by Typhoon Hagupit to brace for its possible entry into the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Thursday.

In an Alert Bulletin issued to LGUs in Regions 5, 7, 8 and CARAGA, Roxas ordered them to immediately convene their respective Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils (LDRRMCs) and make the necessary preparation to cushion the impact of the typhoon.

“I have ordered all local chief executives to make the necessary preparations. They have to convene their local disaster risk reduction management councils to operationalize disaster preparedness measures,” Roxas said.

He ordered them to prepare the necessary food packs, medicines, fuel and first aid to be distributed to their constituents once the typhoon enters PAR.

He also directed the LGUs to immediately evacuate the people living along coastal communities to higher grounds to ensure their safety.

At the same time, Roxas ordered all personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), regional offices of the DILG and LGUs in the affected areas to cancel their leaves of absence to ensure the safety of the residents there.

“In times like these, everyone should be alert. We should always remember that regrets always come after,” he said.

He said the DILG will also conduct an information drive to advise the residents of the affected areas about the impending entry of the typhoon and security measures they can implement to lessen its impact.

He also said the DILG will seek the help of the civil society organizations (CSOs) in assisting the affected residents.