MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III said that whoever allowed people to return to the area in Quezon City that was hit by a deadly landslide Tuesday will be held accountable.
Aquino said Wednesday that a previous landslide had already occurred on Litex Road, Barangay (village) Commonwealth in 2002 based on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) report to him.
“A tragedy had already occurred there and yet it was allowed to happen again. That is wrong. Somebody will have to answer for this,” Aquino told reporters in an ambush interview after meeting with disaster response agencies.
Nine people, including three children, died when loosened soil buried their home on Litex Road at the height of heavy rains Tuesday.
The President also did not hide his dismay when he learned about the false text messages circulating that classes were already suspended up to Friday and that a widespread blackout was imminent in Luzon.
These, he said, were adding to the confusion and panic among people who were already affected by floods.
Pagasa’s rainfall warning system, which was in the pilot testing stage, will be further refined and improved for a more accurate picture of the weather, Aquino said.
Department of Social Welfare and Development is not yet running low on supplies and relief goods, a report that Aquino found commendable.
It was also important for rescuers and disaster agencies to have shifting work schedules to avoid exhausting them, he said.
“We might be forgetting that even the rescuers need to get some rest too,” Aquino said.
“I think this government has been tested and was able to perform [better],” he added.
He assured that there were more projects on flood control line up but their completion cannot be rushed. Aquino said it was ironic that these projects were set for deliberations this week but was postponed due to the rains.