Duterte to visit Taal-affected areas despite ashfall threat

President Rodrigo Duterte will visit the areas affected by the Taal eruption on January 14, Tuesday despite threats of continuous ashfall.

"Tomorrow, mag-ikot-ikot ako . . . I want to go around  . . ." Duterte told reporters in an interview during his visit to the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City Monday.

" ... 'Pag hindi nyo ako nakita sa daan, sa bangin nyo na ako hanapin," Duterte said in jest, adding that he would also make a survey of the areas aboard a helicopter.

The province of Batangas has been placed under a state of calamity after towns surrounding the volcano such as Talisay, Agoncillo and Laurel became covered wtih ashfall from the eruption, forcing evacuation of residents.

Duterte said he was warned by his doctors to "be careful" because of his existing health condition as a result of years of smoking.

When told that he could still encounter heavy ashfall during his visit, Duterte said, "Kainin ko pa yang ashfall na 'yan.  pati 'yang Taal na 'yan, ihian ko 'yan, 'yang bwisit na 'yan."

The chief executive assured that government resources are being made available to the needs of the  evacuees.

"I will give financial (assistance). . . . Meron tayong pera, kung tulong lang, meron tayong pera, kaya hindi natin uubusin sa corruption," he said. —LDF, GMA News