Leyte prepares for another ‘low pressure area’ MANILA -- Tacloban is now facing law and order problems and a risk of a fuel shortage, according to Southern Leyte Rep. Roger Mercado. In an interview with ANC on Sunday, Mercado said he has received reports that people have resorted to looting automated teller machines (ATMs) out of despair. “I hope the Office of the Civil Defense will focus on this. We also asked the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to send troops in the area to maintain peace and order,” he said. An earlier clip showed the looting at Gaisano mall in Tacloban City after the onslaught of super typhoon Yolanda as hundreds of residents took advantage of the breakdown in law and order out of despair. (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/nation/11/09/13/watch-looting-gaisano-mall-tacloban-city) Mercado also appealed to the private sector to send help, especially as supplies for basic goods are nearly dissipated. “We are also seeing long lines in gas stations. I fear a shortage of fuels in the entire region 8,” he said. The lawmaker added that they also badly need medicines such as anti-tetanus medicines. “There are a lot of nails scattered. We need medicines, antibiotics,” he said. Meanwhile, Mercado warned that both Tacloban and Ormoc should already prepare for another broiling low pressure area. “It’s again getting dark here. There may be a need to send the people back to evacuation centers,” he noted, saying preparation is always key in order to save lives. “In Tacloban, it’s really chaotic, there is no preemptive evacuation. There is no proper planning on the ground,” he said. The weather bureau is looking at another weather disturbance off Philippine waters. If it enters the country’s area of responsibility, it will be called Zorayda.
