ILOILO – The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) has issued a warning of potential extreme events, including looting and conflicts over water scarcity, as the El Niño phenomenon continues to impact Western Visayas.
The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) has been directed to prepare for these eventualities.
During a recent special meeting of the PDRRMC, concerns were raised regarding the possibility of crimes and conflicts over water shortages.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), El Niño could last until April or May, leading to water shortages for household and drinking purposes, as well as famine due to the inability to cultivate crops over prolonged periods.
The situation could result in violent conflicts and looting, said Provincial Board member Rolanda Distura, chairman of the Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
He stressed the importance of continuous monitoring by police stations, especially in areas with water resources.
Reflecting on past experiences as the local chief executive of Dumangas town, Distura remarked that such scenarios are not new and emphasized the need for vigilance and preparedness.
He urged disaster managers and PDRRMC members to look beyond immediate concerns and assess the capabilities and capacities for managing such extreme events.
The PDRRMC and the Iloilo provincial government, led by Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., have pledged support for all action plans of the IPPO to ensure peace and order during the El Niño period.
The IPPO has been designated as the lead office for Public Safety, one of the five key sectors focused by the newly created Provincial El Niño Task Force.
Other key sectors include Food Security, Water Security, Energy Security, and Health Security.
The taskforce aims to concentrate on mitigation efforts and implementation of actions and plans to combat the effects of El Niño, and to develop comprehensive strategies for managing and responding to El Niño events across all sectors./PN
