The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will conduct an investigation against local officials who traveled abroad despite a travel ban order as typhoons approach. Malacañang is also studying possible penalties for violators.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla has banned all travel outside the country by elected and appointed officials from November 9 to 15 to focus on preparing for and responding to typhoon victims. According to Remulla, about 20 officials attempted to travel, but many of them were blocked after more than 40 travel clearances were canceled.
Remulla also said they will investigate whether there were any local officials in Cebu who were not present during the devastation caused by Typhoon Tino, which caused many deaths. According to him, there are some agencies that have not yet been identified as being in the area at that time, but he assured that he will find out the truth.
Remulla added that he personally spoke to several mayors, including Mayor Jeannie Sandoval of Malabon and several officials from Cebu, to inform them that their trips were canceled due to the approaching typhoon. He also ensured that no one left the country for six to seven days after the travel ban was implemented.
Meanwhile, Remulla confirmed that Isabela Governor Rodito Albano III was in Germany for an agricultural fair when the typhoon hit. He was immediately sent back and assured that he would be fine.
