Leyte implements ‘forced evacuation’ ordinance

BOARD Member Carlo Loreto (5th district, Leyte) said the Provincial Government is implementing a “force evacuation” ordinance in a bid for zero casualties during disasters.

“This is our response to the National Government’s call to enact an ordinance for the adoption and implementation of emergency measures such as pre-emptive or forced evacuation in areas declared to be in imminent danger in times of disasters,” Loreto said.

Loreto added that local government units (LGUs), including provinces are actually mandated under the Local Government Code to carry out the necessary measures during and in the aftermath of manmade and natural disasters and calamities.

Section 16 of the Local Government Code particularly calls on LGUs to exercise the powers necessary, appropriate, or incidental for its efficient and effective governance, and those which are essential to the promotion of general welfare.

“Our local ordinance on forced evacuation was actually first used during the flooding in Babatngon last October. I was with then Governor [Carlos Jericho] Petilla when he ordered the forced evacuation of residents of Barangay IV who were at risk of another landslide,” Loreto said.

“The governor also ordered the permanent relocation of the residents to avoid an imminent danger to the lives of the residents,” Loreto added.

Loreto said disasters cannot be prevented from happening but local government units can do everything within its means to mitigate their adverse effects and prevent the loss of lives and properties.

In the execution of forced evacuation, Loreto clarified that it should be carried out in a humane and respectful manner to the affected residents.

“All measures should be taken to inform the evacuees of the need for the evacuation,” the board member said.

He, meanwhile, urged municipal and barangays governments to enact or adopt the provincial ordinance on forced evacuation.

“We aim for zero casualties during disasters, and this can be achieved if all local government units will implement emergency measures in their respective localities,” Loreto said. (Leyte Samar Daily Express)