Rescue of animals will be on case-to-case basis — DILG

Rescue of animals within the 14-kilometer high-risk area from Taal Volcano’s main crater will be allowed on a case-to-case basis, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday.

In a statement, DILG spokesman Jonathan Malaya said Interior Secretary Eduardo Año would allow the rescue of animals as long as it is on the mainland and not on the volcano island, adding that it must also be in coordination with local disaster authorities.

“We will treat this on a case-to-case basis and subject to the approval of local authorities depending on the prevailing situation,” Malaya said.

The DILG’s statement was in response to the call of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

The agency said it is just waiting for the permission from the government, allowing them to enter the island and rescue the animals.

Meanwhile, the DILG reiterated its appeal to the public to no longer return to the island as the situation is still dangerous.

Alert Level 4 is remains in effect over Taal Volcano.

Malaya said the DILG chief has ordered the Philippine National Police to stop and prevent those who wish to return to the island.

“It is simply too dangerous for anyone to go back to the island. Human lives must be our first priority,” Malaya said. — RSJ, GMA News