The Cebu City Council has approved an ordinance prescribing guidelines in the implementation of forced evacuation during disasters and emergencies.
No penalties would be imposed on residents who won’t follow evacuation orders, but the ordinance frees the city government from any liability should any untoward incident happens to them for their refusal to heed the order. “Any person who willfully and deliberately disregard or oppose the order of forced evacuation issued by the city mayor shall release the latter from any and all liability for the former’s injury or death attributed to his disobedience,” reads Section 5 of the proposed ordinance authored by Councilors Nida Cabrera and Gerry Carillo.
The city government may use reasonable force to move people out of an area that is in imminent danger.
Under the proposed ordinance, the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CCDRRMC), will determine if forced evacuation of residents becomes necessary and will recommend measures to the mayor.
The proposed ordinance also authorizes the mayor to enlist the help of the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.
All barangays, through their respective Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committees, together with the CCDRRMC shall designate a site to be used as the barangay’s evacuation center.
The proposed ordinance will be submitted to the Office of the Mayor for review and enactment into a local law.