DILG directs forced evacuations for habagat

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla urged local chief executives on Tuesday to implement forced evacuations when necessary due to severe rainfall from the southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat.

Remulla complied with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive, emphasizing the need for prioritizing vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration forecasts more than 200 millimeters of rain over Metro Manila and five other provinces until Wednesday noon.

The DILG directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Bureau of Fire Protection to support local chief executives in enforcing forced evacuations and securing evacuation centers.

Local government units were tasked with coordinating relief efforts through their respective Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, ensuring that evacuees' needs are met.