By Defense Secretary and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Chair Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. on Saturday urged local governments to conduct preemptive evacuations and take proactive measures as Typhoon Uwan (international name: Fung-wong) threatens to bring heavy rains and flooding across wide areas of the country.
In a national broadcast, Teodoro called on governors, mayors, and barangay officials to coordinate closely with municipal disaster risk reduction officers and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
“We should prioritize evacuation now rather than rescue later,” he said in a video message posted on the Office of Civil Defense’s Facebook page, emphasizing the need for early action, particularly for the elderly, children, and other vulnerable groups.
