Manila: The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is set to file complaints against local government officials who were out of the country during the onslaught of back-to-back typhoons Tino and Uwan earlier this month.

According to Philippines News Agency, DILG Secretary Juanito Victor "Jonvic" Remulla announced that at least 24 individuals will face complaints, including Cebu officials who traveled to Europe for a vacation when Tino struck the province. The officials will be charged with abandonment of duty, gross neglect, and insubordination before the Office of the Ombudsman.

Remulla stated, "Halos kumpleto na. So, we will file the corresponding cases sa Ombudsman sa mga na-violate blatantly sa mga ginawa nila. Kung sino man kailangan parusahan, paparusahan," indicating that preparations for filing the cases are nearly complete. He made these remarks during the blessing of the Philippine National Police's newly acquired firearms, mobility, and protection equipment at Camp Crame.

The DILG had previously ordered all elected and appointed local officials to suspend their overseas travels as the twin cyclones threatened the nation. Remulla emphasized that local leaders, as chairpersons of their respective Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils, should be physically present during all phases of disaster management, including preparation, response, and recovery.

Local government units (LGUs) are also required to assist affected communities, reactivate Local Price Coordinating Councils to prevent overpricing, and coordinate with regional and provincial DRRMCs and DILG regional offices for timely and unified action.