Aquino seeks explanation on flood fatalities in S. Leyte

President Benigno Aquino III has asked concerned government agencies to explain why there were still fatalities in Southern Leyte despite precautionary measures being taken there against flooding and landslides. At a press briefing Tuesday, Aquino noted that there were still fatalities in St. Bernard municipality even though residents in high-risk areas have already been relocated due to flooding and landslides. The President specifically sought explanation from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), among others. In its 6 a.m. update Tuesday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said three people — Fatima Discaryal, Rodel Discaryal, and Jordan Laquipon — were killed in St. Bernard, where over 1,000 people died in 2006 because of landslides. A state of calamity has been declared in the municipality. "Yung major issue is St. Bernard again, in Southern Leyte. Ni-relocate na ‘yung karamihan bakit parang in danger pa rin (The major issue is St. Bernard again, in Southern Leyte. Most have been relocated but why are they still in danger)?" he said. Aquino said he wants to know all the details "to reduce the risks that all of these communities are facing." He said around 66 of the country's 80 provinces are at high risk for natural disasters.

Other fatalities There were two other fatalities in Southern Leyte aside from the ones in St. Bernard: Patrick Pelaez from Pancho Villa in Sogod, and Recabel Montederamos of Maanyag village in Tomas Oppus town. According to the NDRRMC, floods and landslides hit Southern Luzon, the Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas and Mindanao. The provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, and Davao Oriental have also been affected by the floods caused by continuous heavy rains. The NDRRMC said at least 37,718 families or 200,494 people from 252 villages in 43 municipalities and four cities in 12 provinces had been affected. Aside from the five fatalities in Southern Leyte, the rest of the 10 fatalities as of Tuesday morning were Cristy Jane Celocia of Lanao del Norte; Apolinaria Porras in Mt. Diwata, Compostela Valley; Dadap Antonio and Dadap Lolita of Manito Albay; and Maricris of Legaspi City. An unidentified person has also been reported missing in Barangay Guinsaangan, Bontoc, Southern Leyte. — KBK/RSJ, GMANews.TV