Cabinet exec: Aquino admin not blaming anyone for Yolanda devastation

MANILA, Philippines -President Benigno Aquino III and his administration are not blaming local government officials for the alleged lack of preparations for super typhoon Yolanda that slammed into Visayas last week, a Cabinet official said.

Cabinet Sec. Jose Almendras said the President is not blaming anyone and that he is "very particular" on what should be done to move forward.

"We're pressed for time. we need to respond. We need to move," Almendras said at a televised press briefing. "As far as blaming local government, I don't think that is an accurate description."

This comes after Aquino reportedly blamed local officials in Tacloban City for failing to prepare against Yolanda, which has killed several people and destroyed structures in the city with its powerful winds and storm surges.

But Almendras denied this, saying they are only asking coordination among local authorities especially for the relief and response efforts in the aftermath of the typhoon.

"Hindi po kami nanunuro. Wala po kaming sinisi. Ang sinasabi ko lang po, napakaimportante na meron kaming katuwang, meron pong makakasabi sa amin kung saan dadalhin ang tulong," Almendras said.

He said the national government is having difficulties in entering the localities, which officials are not familiar with.

"Hindi po namin kilala ang mga barangay captain. Ni hindi ko alam ang mga pangalan ng mga barangay, much more their location," Almendras admitted.

Super Typhoon Yolanda, considered as the strongest tropical cyclone to hit the country this year, barreled through the Philippines on November 8 and made several landfalls.

The typhoon has so far affected nearly 10 million people and displaced thousands,  and damaged  houses, structures, and even a public airport.