TEN local government executives from Luzon and Visayas are now being investigated by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for their absence in their respective localities during the onslaught of super typhoon Rolly, according to Interior Secretary Eduardo Año.
Año said the 10 chief executives have been asked to explain their absence, which is considered as an administrative offense in violation of a DILG-issued order compelling all local leaders to be active and available during storms and other man-made or natural calamities.
Briefing President Duterte on Monday night, Año said 10 of the 1,047 total local chief executives were unaccounted for during the typhoon.
“So 99 percent po ay nasa kanilang mga lugar upang mag-supervise. ‘Yung sampung nawala ay na identify na namin at ito ay aking pagpapaliwanagin (Ninety-nine percent of them are in the areas to supervise. We have identified the 10 who were absent and I’m going to ask them to explain),” said Año.
On Monday, Año said two of the mayors are from Northern Luzon, four are from MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan), two are from Bicol region, and the remaining two from the Visayas islands.
The DILG chief declined to name the mayors, saying: “I cannot give their names yet until investigations are conducted and cases are filed against them.”
Año said the DILG is due to issue show cause orders against the mayors. He said charges may be pursued against these mayors, depending on their explanation.
“After validating their answers, investigation may proceed. It (charges that may be filed) depends on the circumstances but among them could be dereliction of duty, gross negligence or violation of DILG memo circular requiring 100 percent presence of LCEs before during and after typhoon,” said Año.
