Aquino sacks PAGASA chief

President Benigno Aquino III announced on Friday that he has removed Dr. Prisco D. Nilo from his post as director of the country’s weather bureau, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). Aquino told reporters on Friday afternoon that Nilo had “differences" with his “immediate superior" in the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the government agency directly supervising PAGASA. He did not name the "immediate superior," but a check with PAGASA showed that the agency is directly under the DOST undersecretary for research and development. The post is currently held by Graciano Yumul. A special order from Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo dated August 5 designated Undersecretary Yumul as PAGASA’s officer-in-charge, replacing Nilo. After being relieved from his post, Nilo will be returned to the career executive service officer pool, according to the President. Nilo's removal came three weeks after Aquino reprimanded Pagasa for failing to predict that typhoon Basyang would ravage Metro Manila. Aquino said Nilo "never really bothered to explain" why Typhoon Basyang moved in a different direction. (See: Aquino reprimands PAGASA at Typhoon Basyang briefing)—Jam Sisante and Andreo C. Calonzo/JV, GMANews.TV