Manila: Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Sunday ordered the forced evacuation of residents who defy government calls for preemptive evacuation due to the possible adverse effects of Super Typhoon Uwan. In a video statement released to reporters, Teodoro, who also chairs the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), said he issued the directive after receiving reports of people refusing to preemptively evacuate.
According to Philippines News Agency, Teodoro emphasized the directive by stating that forced evacuations will be conducted in areas where it is still possible. He urged residents to act preemptively to avoid the need for rescue operations later, which can endanger the lives of rescuers, police officers, soldiers, firefighters, and Coast Guard personnel.
Teodoro also warned that non-compliance with the forced evacuation order enforced by police officers would be considered a violation of the law, constituting disobedience to a person in authority.
In a separate statement, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) advised local government and police personnel to conduct evacuations with “firmness and compassion.” They emphasized the importance of persuasion to convince residents to move to safer ground, clarifying that evacuation is a protective measure, not an infringement on rights or property.
The DILG stated that if residents continue to refuse despite warnings and imminent danger, local government units and the Philippine National Police are authorized to enforce mandatory evacuation under Republic Act No. 10121 and the Local Government Code. They stressed that these actions should be carried out peacefully, respectfully, and with proper documentation. Additionally, they highlighted the need for transportation, shelter, food, and medical aid to be ready, with priority given to the elderly, children, and persons with disabilities.
As of 11 a.m. Sunday, 270,682 families or 916,863 individuals have been preemptively evacuated in 11 regions, with the majority from Region 5 (Bicol), followed by Region 8 (Eastern Visayas) and Region 4-A (Calabarzon).
