RP, US mull early warning system

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Philippine and United States governments are mulling the establishment of early warning systems in disaster-prone areas across the country, a US Embassy official said.

Matthew Lussenhop, US Embassy spokesman, said the project cropped up following the massive mudslide that blanketed the entire village of Guinsaugon in Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte, where hundreds of people are still missing.

"The early warning system is one of things we are talking about in our discussions with disaster officials," Lussenhop said during a recent stop in this southern city.

Meanwhile, US troops have started pulling out from Saint Bernard after the provincial government gave up hope of finding survivors in the disaster site.

However, US Marine Brig. Gen. Mastin Robeson, US Balikatan 2006 director who oversaw the US search and rescue contingent in Southern Leyte, said they would still maintain their presence in the site for another week to assess the situation.

At least 500 US marines have been deployed in Saint Bernard town to help in the rescue mission and medical care for the survivors and evacuees. — Roel Pareño