Pangasinan gov’t mulls suit vs San Roque execs

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – The provincial government is contemplating on filing charges against the San Roque Power Corporation for violating protocol in the release of water from the San Roque Dam.

“SRPC has violated protocol in the release of water from the (San Roque) dam and we will file a case against the corporation,” Provincial Administrator Rafael Baraan said.

As this developed, the provincial government remains on heighten alert as far as disaster preparedness is concerned with the continuing threat of more rains and more flooded municipalities.

The heighten alert was raised after the provincial government was informed that intense rains will continue to prevail in La Union, Benguet, and Pangasinan.

With the advisory, the provincial disaster officials, upon instruction of Gov. Amado T. Espino Jr., convened an urgent meeting to heighten preparedness as heavy rainfall and possible release of more water from the San Roque Dam are expected to submerge low-lying areas in central and eastern parts of the province.

Baraan, member of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council and attached agencies discussed operational preparedness and response capabilities of the province.

Baraan instructed the PDRRMC to alert local government units and the Philippine National Police in the province to intensify disaster preparedness to enable quick response in affected areas.

Residents, especially those living near the Cayanga-Bued River, Pantal-Sinocalan River, and Agno River and in villages in hilly areas susceptible to flashfloods are advised to take appropriate actions.

Baraan said another threat is the possible release of more water from San Roque Dam that would affect low-lying towns in eastern Pangasinan like San Fabian, Mangaldan, San Nicolas, Tayug, Sta. Maria, and Rosales.

Baraan likewise mobilized the PDRRMC to be prepared for quick response, disseminate information regarding impending disasters, reach out to needy Pangasinan residents, and perform preventive measures