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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Most casualties may come from informal settlers if 'Big One' strikes — DILG chief

Most casualties may come from informal settlers if 'Big One' strikes — DILG chief

Published Oct 16, 2025 03:10 pm
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said on Thursday, Oct. 16, that informal settler families (ISFs) would likely suffer the most casualties should a major earthquake — the so-called “Big One” — hit Metro Manila or nearby areas.
Department of Interior and Local Government Sec. Juanito Victor
Department of Interior and Local Government Sec. Juanito Victor "Jonvic" C. Remulla presents the proposed 2026 budget of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and its attached agencies on Thursday, October 16, 2025.
During the Senate finance subcommittee hearing on the proposed 2026 national budget of the DILG, Secretary Jonvic Remulla said that while the National Building Code has so far proven reliable, the main concern lies in structures built without proper permits.
Senator JV Ejercito raised the issue following the series of recent earthquakes across different parts of the country.
“If we do have the Big One, most of the casualties would come from the ISFs because none of their buildings were constructed with permits, and they cook with kerosene and other non-regulated cooking implements,” Remulla said.
“That is a major cause of fires, and that would be the major cause of damage if we have the Big One,” he added.
Remulla also emphasized the need to strengthen local enforcement of the building code, especially in municipalities, to ensure that structural integrity checks are conducted properly.
Meanwhile, DILG Undersecretary Marlo Iringan said the department, as vice chair for preparedness, has already developed protocols for local government units (LGUs) to follow in case of earthquakes.
“We came up with the protocol for earthquakes. These are step-by-step actions which our LGUs can use as a reference,” Iringan said.
He added that the DILG is conducting infrastructure audits in the National Capital Region, Calabarzon, and Central Luzon, in partnership with structural engineers, the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, and universities with civil engineering programs.
“Fifth-year and fourth-year engineering students can help in assessing the structural integrity of buildings,” Iringan said.
In a chance interview, Remulla said they would issue memorandum circulars to LGUs to inspect their respective areas and come up with ways to address the issue.

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DILG The Big One DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)
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