DILG probes local officials who traveled abroad during typhoon travel ban

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is investigating local officials who traveled abroad despite a travel ban imposed due to Typhoons Tino and Uwan.

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla prohibited elected or appointed local officials from leaving the country between November 9 to 15 to focus on disaster preparedness and relief efforts.

Around 20 officials were reported to have traveled abroad, while Remulla managed to stop some delegations from leaving, including one bound for South Korea.

The DILG has also canceled numerous travel clearances for other officials.

Malacañang is studying possible sanctions for those found to have defied the DILG order.

Isabela Governor Rodolfo Albano III, who was criticized for his 'chill' remark, was reportedly in Germany for an agricultural trade fair and promised to return.

The DILG has not accounted for the presence of Cebu local officials during the foreign travel ban.

Remulla confirmed that DILG provincial and regional directors, as well as the PNP provincial director, were present on the ground during the typhoons.