The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is now finalizing the investigation and processing of pieces of evidence against the local officials who were abroad when typhoons “Tino” and ‘Uwan” hit the country;

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said they will immediately file the charges before the Office of the Ombudsman against the local officials, including the local executives in Cebu who were in Europe during the onslaught of “Tino”.

Cebu was the hardest hit of the weather disturbance, with majority of the fatalities and missing recorded in the province.

“It’s almost complete. We will file the corresponding cases before the Ombudsman against the violators,” said Remulla when asked of the update on the DILGF probe into the foreign trips of some local execs.

Among the cases that will be filed, according to him, were abandonment of duty, gross neglect and insubordination.

The insubordination stemmed from the confirmed reports that at least 24 local executives left the country despite the order of the DILG to cancel all foreign trips.

“As soon as we complete the investigation, we file the cases. Right now, we are securing copies of their return flights, It’s a very complicated process,” said Remulla.

Earlier, Remulla said he was able to block the foreign travel of around 40 local executives.

In issuing the order cancelling foreign trips, Remulla cited Local Government Code of 1991 and Republic Act No. 10121, which designate local executives as chairperson of their Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (DRRMCs).

“They must be physically present during all phases of disaster management—preparation, response, and recovery,” said Remulla.

“Visible, hands-on leadership from both elective and appointive officials is crucial in safeguarding communities and ensuring swift recovery,” he added.