NDRRMC appeals to residents, media to keep away from Taal danger zones

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) exhorted residents and members of the media to stay out of the 14-kilometer danger zone because of Taal Volcano's continuous activity.

Interviewed on Balitanghali, NDRRMC spokesperson Mark Timbal said at least 18,000 individuals have been taken to evacuation centers across Batangas as well as Tagaytay City and the municipality of Alfonso in Cavite.

Timbal assured that the evacuees are receiving all the necessary services and supplies.

He said the Department of Health has deployed emergency medical teams to the evacuation centers while the Department of Social Welfare and Development is providing relief support to local government units.

However, Timbal lamented that some evacuees returned to their homes in the danger zone while some media workers still conduct coverages in the area.

“Ito po ay violation ng ating mandatory evacuation order. Kasi ang iniiwasan natin, baka biglang pumutok ‘yung bulkan at maabutan itong mga kababayan natin,” he said.

“We’re reminding the local government to strictly implement this arrangement para wala tayong maging casulty in case mag-increase ang volcanic activity,” he added.

Timbal urged the residents who are still within the danger zone to secure a safe space in evacuation centers.

The NDRRMC official also called on the public to only rely on official information provided by the agency, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Office of Civil Defense, and local government units to avoid the spread of fake news. —Julia Mari Ornedo/LDF, GMA News