QUEZON CITY — Following the meeting of the Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell this morning, Dec. 10, NDRRMC Chairman and Department of National Defense – Philippines Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. faced the media to discuss the government’s response and preparedness regarding the recent eruption of Mt. Kanlaon.
Current Situation
Alert Level 3 has been raised, indicating a danger zone of 6 kilometers around the affected areas.
“The most affected towns are La Castellana, Negros Occidental, and Canlaon City in Negros Oriental. We are expecting a total of 54,000 people who we are busy providing adequate provisions for evacuation.”
Teodoro has been in close communication with local leaders, including Governor Lacson and Vice Governor Ferrer of Negros Occidental and Governor Sagarbarria of Negros Oriental.
“Currently, nandun si Sec. Gatchalian at siya mismo ang sumisiyasat sa lugar,” he added.
Evacuation Plans
The Secretary emphasized the importance of preemptive evacuation, stating, “This Alert Level 3 ay minimum ime-maintain natin ayon sa PAG-ASA ng tatlong linggo, at the minimum, ngunit may posibilidad na magpalit ito depende sa aksyon ng bulkan.”
He acknowledged the challenges faced in convincing people to evacuate, noting that “naghe-hesitate na lumikas ang mga tao kasi hindi sila sanay sa ganitong mga pangyayari.”
To facilitate the evacuation process, Teodoro announced the formation of Task Force Kanlaon, which will be headed by the Regional Director of OCD Western Visayas, Raul Fernandez.
“Gumawa na tayo ng task force para isahan nalang ang hahawak ng response sa buong region,” he explained, indicating that the task force will be based in Bacolod City for better logistics.
Logistical Support and Resources
Teodoro assured the public that the government is prepared to provide necessary resources, saying, “This afternoon, pag naload na, magpapadala nga tayo ng 1,000 tents at mga tubig plus other facilities tulad ng portalets.” He emphasized the importance of establishing temporary evacuation sites to manage the situation effectively.
Public Safety and Coordination
Addressing concerns about public safety, Teodoro urged residents to cooperate with evacuation orders.
“Nakikiusap kami sa mga tao na wag munang bumalik muna sa 6-kilometer radius na area.” He highlighted the need for coordination with local government units to prevent individuals from returning to dangerous zones.
Teodoro also made an appeal to the media, stating, “Importante dahil first time na nakaranas ng ganito ang mga tao na doon sa Negros na kinakailangan ng ganitong preemptive na pag-evacuate.”
He encouraged media cooperation in disseminating accurate information to the public.
Air and Sea Travel Considerations
Teodoro discussed the impact of ashfall on transportation, stating, “I heard, may reports tayo yung Iloilo airport nga nagsara na kahapon because of ashfall.”
He noted that while air travel could be affected, seaports remain operational. “Hindi maaapektuhan yung seaports, airports lang saka-sakaling maapektuhan,” he assured.
As the situation develops, Teodoro reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of those affected by the eruption. “Kami din ay nagse-scenario building kung sakaling umulan, pero wala pa namang nakikita mula sa PAG-ASA na pag-ulan. Awa ng Diyos, wala pa,” he concluded.
The NDRRMC continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as necessary to keep the public informed. (OCD)
