DAVAO City Councilor Avegayle Dalodo Ortiz said on Tuesday, February 7, the government is ready to help facilitate the evacuation of residents who will be affected by armed clashes between New People’s Army and military after the termination of peace talks.
Ortiz, Committee on Women and Children, and Family Relations Chair, said the government will act on the needs of the affected families.
"Siguro kailangan natin lumapit didto sa gobyerno (Maybe we need to ask help from the government), with regards sa ganyan (to that), it is true na sila ay affected (that they are affected)," Ortiz said.
She advised hinterland residents to take extra care in crossfires.
"Kung puwede lilipat muna sila sa kanilang lugar (If possible, they should transfer to another area), so that we could protect them at malayo sila sa lugar na may giyera (and they are far from war zones)," Ortiz said.
The city will be ready should there be evacuees.
"Yes, kung kailanganin, nand'yan naman ang Balay Pasilungan at Bahay Pag-asa (if needed, Balay Pasilungan and Balay Pag-asa are there)," Ortiz said.
Meanwhile, Ortiz also hopes for the approval of the amended Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Children’s Welfare Code so that advocacy programs for children within the city will be effectively implemented.