Tacloban City Generally Peaceful, No Looting, Untoward Incident

Despite onslaught of Super typhoon “Ruby” in Tacloban City, Leyte in the evening (6:00 p.m.) of December 6 until evening (10:00 p.m.) of December 7, 2014 or almost sixteen hours of strong winds and rains there was no reported incident of looting (robbery or theft) in Tacloban City and other parts of Leyte provinces unlike during the onslaught of super typhoon Yolanda in November 08, 2013.

According to Alfred Romualdez, Mayor of Tacloban City the residents had already learned the lessons of super typhoon “Yolanda”.

Mayor Romualdez said that when the residents learned from the weather bureau of the typhoon that might hit Tacloban City they bought basic items such as foods, medicines, flashlights and batteries stock to be used in case of emergency.

The City government had implemented a pre-emptive evacuation for those residents living in the coastal village to be evacuated in the evacuation centers 2-days before the super typhoon hit the City.

Schools, churches, and government facilities had been used as evacuation centers for the affected residents.

Business establishment had been instructed to open business after the typhoon if they were not heavily damaged to cater the basic needs of the affected populace.

Military and police personnel had been instructed to remain in their respected posts to secure the vital facilities, service establishments and government offices. Mobile units are roaming to ensure peace and order.

There are 1,590 military personnel deployed across Region 8 to augment police visibility. Armored vehicles are also used to secure the safety and security of the entire region.

The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) had established operation center at the conference room of the Leyte Sports Academy (Grandstand) in Tacloban City. (ajc/jhb/PIA-8)