Nat’l disaster head’s resignation now in Palace

Undersecretary Eduardo del Rosario, executive director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council INQUIRER.net file photo

MANILA, Philippines—Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin has forwarded to Malacañang the resignation letter of Undersecretary Eduardo del Rosario, executive director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), a defense official said on Thursday.

President Aquino will decide whether to accept Del Rosario’s resignation, the latter being a presidential appointee.

“The Secretary recommended to the President the acceptance of [Undersecretary Del Rosario’s] resignation. We are just waiting for the President’s decision,” Defense spokesman Dr. Peter Galvez told the Inquirer by phone.

Del Rosario, a retired Army general, was at the NDRRMC’s helm for 15 months. Del Rosario cited health reasons for his resignation.

He was among the government officials heavily criticized for the slow response to the needs of the survivors of Super Typhoon Yolanda, the strongest typhoon ever to hit land.

Unconfirmed reports say that Del Rosario’s replacement is likely to be retired Vice Admiral Alexander Pama, a former Navy chief.

Pama is currently the executive director of the National Coast Watch, a government program aimed at enhancing maritime border security and maritime domain awareness.—Nikko Dizon