DILG, PNP impose forced evacuation in high-risk areas amid Uwan

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday said that they will implement forced evacuations in high-risk communities amid the onslaught of Super Typhoon Uwan.

In a joint statement, the DILG and PNP issued guidance on the enforcement of mandatory evacuation and the handling of residents who refuse to leave their homes despite the danger.

“If residents still refuse despite repeated warnings and imminent danger, LGUs and the PNP are authorized to enforce mandatory evacuation in accordance with Republic Act No. 10121 and the Local Government Code,” the agencies said.

“Actions must be done peacefully, respectfully, and with proper documentation,” they added.

They reminded all local governments and police personnel that “saving lives is the top priority,” noting that local officials must act with both “firmness and compassion” when imposing preemptive or forced evacuations.

The DILG and PNP also instructed officials to ensure the availability of transportation, shelter, food, and medical aid for evacuees, with priority given to the elderly, children, and persons with disabilities.

“All means of persuasion must be used to convince residents to move to safer ground. Explain clearly that evacuation is a measure to protect lives, not to take away their rights or property,” they said.

In a video message, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. urged residents to heed calls for preemptive evacuations, as he cited reports that many at-risk residents were refusing to leave their homes for safer grounds.

“Marami po kaming natatanggap na report na hinihikayat na ang ating mga kababayan na mag-preemptive evacuation at marami ang ayaw sumunod. Kaya magkakaroon ng forced evacuation,” Teodoro said.

(We are receiving many reports that residents are being encouraged to preemptively evacuate, and many do not want to comply. That is why there will be a forced evacuation.)

“Mag-preemptively evacuate na po tayo upang sa ganon, hindi huli hihingi ng rescue. Dahil kapag huli po humingi tayo ng rescue, nalalagay sa panganib ang buhay ng ating mga kapulisan, sundalo, bumbero, at ang Coast Guard natin,” he added.

(Let’s preemptively evacuate so that we do not end up requesting rescue too late. Because when rescue is late, the lives of our policemen, soldiers, firefighters, and Coast Guard personnel are put at risk.)

Teodoro also reminded the public that refusal to evacuate despite lawful orders may constitute disobedience to a person in authority.—MCG, GMA Integrated News