The Mayor of Sto. Tomas, Pampanga, was facing criticism on social media after his plea to his constituents to evacuate on their own was negatively received.
On August 30, 2026, Mayor Johnny Sambo posted a video on his social media page and informed his constituents that the water from the Gugu River had already breached the dike, which may result in the collapse of the flood control infrastructure.
According to Sambo, people living near the dike should leave the area immediately, but he asked his constituents to evacuate on their own because they do not have the capability to rescue them.
“Nananawagan po ako sa aking mga kababayan na malapit sa dike, magkakaroon po ng force evacuation. Sana po iligtas po ninyo ang inyong mga sarili dahil wala na po kaming kakayahan na sunduin pa namin kayo sa inyong mga kinatitirahan ngayon,” said Sambo.
“Ang importante po ay maisalba natin ang ating buhay, ang inyong buhay. Pumunta po tayo sa mga matataas na lugar kagaya po ng ating mga eskwelahan na may second floor at third floor. Maglakad muna po tayo, magtulungan po tayo. Tulungan po natin lalong-lalo na ang ating mga senior citizens at ang mga bata,” he added.
Netizens and residents of Sto. Tomas couldn’t hide their disappointment as they believed that the mayor was abandoning his constituents.
“If forced evacuate, bkt hndi maglabas ng mga boats or trucks pra mkalikas ang mga ‘residente. Alangan lalangoy sila. Its already 12midnight,” netizen Yam said.
“In short, 123 kanya kanya na to go ne mayor?” netizen Angelica asked.
“Sayang ang sahod hahahahah kanya kanya nalang,” netizen Aries remarked.