DILG bars local officials from traveling abroad from Nov. 9-15 amid Uwan

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla has ordered all elective and appointive local officials to cancel and suspend foreign travel from November 9 to 15, 2025 as the country braces for the impact of potential Super Typhoon Uwan.

Remulla issued the statement after the DILG earlier called on local chief executives to suspend foreign travel "until the situation stabilizes" amid the expected impact of possible Super Typhoon Uwan. 

"With Typhoon Uwan now within the Philippine Area of Responsibility, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has ordered all elective and appointive local officials to cancel and suspend foreign travel from November 9 to 15, 2025, to ensure their presence in their respective areas during ongoing pre-disaster preparations, response, and recovery operations," DILG said in a statement.

Remulla emphasized that governors, mayors, barangay captains, and other local officials must lead on the ground in accordance with the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and the declaration of a state of national calamity.

The DILG chief reminded local leaders that under the Local Government Code of 1991 and Republic Act No. 10121, they chair their Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils and must be physically present during all phases of disaster management.

LGUs are also urged to assist affected communities, reactivate Local Price Coordinating Councils to prevent overpricing, and coordinate with Regional and Provincial DRRMCs and DILG Regional Offices for timely and unified action.

All DILG Regional Directors have been instructed to ensure full compliance nationwide.

Remulla said that visible, hands-on leadership from both elective and appointive officials is crucial in safeguarding communities and ensuring swift recovery.

The Office of Civil Defense has said that Typhoon Uwan may affect over 50 and the National Capital Region. 

Uwan is predicted to rapidly intensify into a super typhoon category by Saturday night or Sunday, but favorable environments may cause faster intensification and landfall scenarios during or near its peak lifetime intensity

As of 4 p.m., Uwan was seen 575 km east of Catarman, Northern Samar or 620 km east of Virac, Catanduanes, with maximum sustained winds of 150 km/h and gustiness of up to 185 km/h.

Signal No. 3 has been raised over five areas in Luzon and the Visayas as Typhoon Uwan continues to strengthen near the Philippine Sea. —VAL, GMA Integrated News