The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is conducting an investigation against 24 local government officials who left the country amid the expected onslaught of Super Typhoon ''Uwan'' from November 9.

The investigation was initiated after 24 local chief executives left despite the order of the DILG for the local leaders to lead the ground operations amid the anticipated impact of Super Typhoon ''Uwan''.

It can be recalled that last November 8, the DILG ordered "all elective and appointive local officials to cancel and suspend foreign travel from November 9 to 15, 2025, to ensure their presence in their respective areas during ongoing pre-disaster preparations, response, and recovery operations".

The DILG reminded local leaders that under the Local Government Code of 1991 and Republic Act No. 10121, they chair their Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils and must be physically present during all phases of disaster management—preparation, response, and recovery.

In a radio interview, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said most of those that are under investigation are mayors of different localities.

"A total of 24 local chief executives are now under investigation after they left despite the directive, they left from November 9 to 15," he said.

"Before the municipal mayors up to councilors only reported to the governors or to their mayors, in this case of national emergency all of that will be reverted back to the interior and local government, so we are investigating 24 who left. It is their moral duty to be cognizant of the approaching calamity we all know that (typhoon) is arriving," he added.

Remulla said the 24 local government officials may face charges such as gross insubordination and abandonment of duty. Robina Asido/DMS