NDCC to disaster units: Ensure zero casualty during typhoons

With typhoon season finally under way, the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) reminded all disaster management agencies Tuesday to take "proactive" measures to ensure "zero casualty." In Memorandum No. 254 dated Aug. 7, acting NDCC chairman Norberto Gonzales said the measures include stockpiling relief goods and prepositioning response mechanisms in "highly vulnerable" areas. "With the president authorizing the use of police powers to force the evacuation of residents living along the river banks, low-lying areas, mountain slopes and other vulnerable areas during typhoons and heavy downpour, the NDCC reiterates the adoption of a more proactive stane in managing situations to achieve zero casualty," said Gonzales, who on Tuesday relinquished his post as defense secretary and NDCC chairman to Gilbert Teodoro. He issued the directive to all Metro Manila, regional and local disaster coordinating councils, regional centers of the Office of Civil Defense, and Civil Defense-deputized directors. Gonzales added that all NDCC member agencies should "vigorously pursue risk mitigation and preparedness measures." These, he said, include "stockpiling of relief supplies and forward deployment of response assets in highly vulnerable areas." - GMANews.TV