President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. said yesterday that the government will be establishing a task force led by the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) on the government’s long-term response to the effects of the eruption of Mount Kanlaon on Negros Island.

The President’s statement comes after he led a situation briefing in La Carlota City in Negros Occidental yesterday.

Marcos Jr. says that the plans include the relocation of residents living within the four- to six-kilometer danger zone, the establishment of a permanent evacuation center in the area, and livelihood opportunities for affected residents.

“Maraming mga magagandang idea ang mga mayor at saka ang provincial government para mawala na talaga ang mga nakatira doon sa loob ng danger area, four kilometers. Sana mailabas natin sa six kilometers,” Marcos said.

“Also, the proposals na magkakaroon ng permanent evacuation center sa labas ng danger area so that in case mag-Alert Level 4, mayroong tatakbuhan lahat ng tao,” he said.

“Iyong usapan namin umabot hanggang sa relocation na para kahit na anong gawin ng Kanlaon, mayroong pupuntahan ang tao. And they can continue to make a living, may hanapbuhay pa rin sila, tuloy-tuloy pa rin,” he continued.

“Maraming agencies concerned. Essentially because of all the plans that the local government officials have given us, because of all of that, we are going to consolidate it, and we are forming a task force that will be led by OCD.”

The Philippine leader also assured the government’s assistance to affected residents will continue.

“Well, the first thing I asked was — ano ‘yung pangangailangan. Kung mayroon pang kulang dito sa support na ibinibigay natin sa mga evacuees at saka ‘yung mga na-displace, ‘yung wala sa evacuation center pero wala sa bahay nila,” he said. (ABS-CBN News)