Aquino EO vs illegal logging expected Monday

President Benigno Aquino III is expected to issue this week an executive order on total log ban in the country, following the floods and landslides that hit several regions due to days of inclement weather. “So by Monday, I’m hoping that the executive order will be ready, that will drastically cut down the problem of illegal cutting of logs," Aquino said over the weekend. He said illegal logging has destroyed mountain ranges that hold rainwater and prevent flooding in nearby areas. Aquino made the announcement after visiting flooded areas in Legazpi City in Albay, St. Bernard town in Southern Leyte, and Butuan City in Agusan del Norte last Friday to check on relief and rehabilitation efforts and distribute relief goods there. Aquino, in a speech at the Sinulog Festival in Cebu Sunday morning, called for prayers for Filipinos in the Bicol region and in the Visayas and Mindanao who are affected by the floodings. “May the Señor Santo Niño protect our country from disasters other and challenges that will come our way, as we build our dreams and realize a better life for all. As we say our prayers, it is my fervent hope that the united community effort that has made the Sinulog Festival successful for three decades will also be displayed as we extend our helping hands to those affected by the recent flashfloods," he said. Meanwhile, the death toll from floods and landslides in the past two weeks rose to 51 Sunday night, with the latest fatalities from Negros Oriental in Central Visayas. In its 6 p.m. update, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said all four fatalities from Negros Oriental died due to drowning. They were identified as: