DILG to LGUs: Hasten evacuation efforts amid Kanlaon unrest

ERUPTION. The explosive eruption of Mt. Kanlaon captured in a shot from Barangay Mansalanao in La Castellana, Negros Occidental Monday afternoon (Dec. 9, 2024). The ashfall has been felt in at least 10 local government units in Negros Occidental as well as in some localities in Iloilo, Guimaras and Antique. (Photo: Barangay Mansalanao La Castellana/Facebook)

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan, Priam Nepomuceno, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) urged all concerned local chief executives (LCEs) to conduct immediate evacuation within Mt. Kanlaon’s 4- to 6-km. permanent danger zone (PDZ), particularly for the vulnerable sector, such as pregnant women, children, senior citizens, and persons with disability.

In a statement Wednesday, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said necessary supplies – food and non-food items and personal protective equipment – must also be prepared, temporary shelters should be arranged, and support must be given to internally displaced persons who will stay with their relatives outside evacuation centers.

Kanlaon is under Alert Level 3 following its eruption on Monday afternoon.

Remulla added that critical rescue teams, such as search and rescue, evacuation, and medical services, must be on standby for immediate deployment to high-risk areas.

“If the need arises, we count on the LCEs in severely affected areas to promptly declare a state of imminent danger or calamity, and the suspension of classes, office work, and travel,” he said.

Remulla also enjoined LGUs to work closely with their respective Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (RDRRMCs) to undertake the necessary measures as stated in the Operation LISTO Disaster Preparedness Manual amid Kanlaon’s unrest.

Army deploys rescue, clearing teams

The Philippine Army, meanwhile, announced that it has deployed rescue and clearing teams following Kanlaon’s eruption.

In a statement late Tuesday, Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said four rescue teams and three military trucks from the 62nd and 94th Infantry Battalions have been deployed to evacuate affected families in Canlaon and La Carlota cities.

He also said the 543rd Engineer Construction Battalion deployed a military truck and a scoop loader to assist in evacuation efforts in La Carlota City.

Meanwhile, the 303rd Infantry Brigade, as well as the 62nd Infantry Battalion and 79th Infantry Battalion, also placed on standby seven rescue teams and 11 heavy-duty trucks for possible augmentation efforts.

“The Army leadership assured the commitment and readiness of troops to conduct HADR (humanitarian assistance and disaster relief) efforts for the affected communities. Meanwhile, the 3rd Infantry Division leadership assured close collaboration with local government units and disaster response agencies to execute a unified and effective response,” Dema-ala said.