'Address Needs Of Bulusan Evacuees' – Arroyo

By Lira Dalangin-Fernandez (INQ7.net)
Posted 12:44pm (Mla time) June 19, 2006

PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Monday instructed the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) and other concerned agencies to provide for the needs of families displaced by restive Mount Bulusan in Sorsogon.
The President’s order came as Army troops helped evacuate about 450 residents around the volcano after it spewed ash and gravel in a new explosion Sunday.

"The President is concerned over the situation and has directed the NDCC and other concerned agencies to ensure that the basic needs of the displaced residents are available in safe evacuation centers," Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said.

At the same time, Bunye appealed to residents around the volcano to heed the directions of local officials to keep out of danger areas until it is safe to return to their homes.

"We have to ensure that the affected residents are in the right and secure place until our experts declare that it is safe to go back," he said.

"We appeal then to local residents to avoid flirting with danger by observing and following the contingency measures being implemented by proper authorities," Bunye added.

Sunday’s explosion came a day after Arroyo visited Sorsogon to oversee the disaster preparedness efforts of government agencies in the province.