To safeguard communities amid the threat of Typhoon Marce, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) advised concerned local government units (LGUs) to strictly implement forced evacuation in high-risk areas due to the anticipated downpour and strong winds.
In a memorandum released late Wednesday, the DILG advised LGUs to strictly execute forced evacuation following the Operation L!STO protocols in high risk areas for flooding, landslides, and other related hazards, particularly in Northern Luzon as advised by state weather bureau PAGASA.
LGUs were reminded of legal provisions under the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act and Local Government Code, which authorize local chief executives to chief executives (LCEs) to implement forced evacuation when necessary.
Local government leaders were told to prioritize the safety of vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
The DILG also advised all affected residents to promptly relocate to designated evacuation centers or safer areas. It likewise directed its attached agencies, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), to fully support the implementation of forced evacuation efforts.
LGUs were also encouraged to identify and prepare evacuation centers that are structurally sound and equipped with basic facilities such as sanitation, medical aid, and designated areas for high-risk groups.
The DILG underscored that the facilities should be regularly inspected to ensure their safety and for capacity adjustments to be made as needed.
LGUs must likewise coordinate with the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council and the Department of Social Welfare and Development for the distribution of relief goods and other supplies as house-to-house relief distributions may not be sustainable in the coming days.
Furthermore, the DILG warned that the expected intense rainfall from ‘Marce’ may also elevate water levels in major dams, potentially requiring water discharge operations that could affect downstream communities.
