All operation centers and regional offices has been placed on heightened alert this Holy Week, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said Wednesday.
The order covers the agency’s regional offices, along with the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (RDRRMCs) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center (NDRRMOC), per the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to ensure public safety.
As of 6 p.m. on Tuesday, a “blue alert” has been declared for the NDRRMOC and the following regions: Cordillera, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao, Soccsksargen, Caraga, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Meanwhile, Metro Manila was placed under “blue alert” starting at 5 p.m. on Wednesday and continuing until 8 a.m. on April 21.
Under the ‘blue alert,’ uniformed personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Philippine National Police (PNP) and other concerned agencies must deploy detailed duty officers at the NDRRMOC to ensure 24-hour duty on a rotational basis.
Bicol and Western Visayas regions are currently under red alert due to potential threats from Mount Mayon and Mount Kanlaon, as well as anticipated weather disturbances during the Lenten season.
This alert level mandates the deployment of uniformed personnel from the AFP, BFP, PCG, and PNP, along with representatives from the departments of interior and local government, social welfare, health, agriculture, education, public works, energy, and other identified agencies.
NDRRMC Executive Director and OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno has called on the public to remain vigilant and exercise caution during the Lenten season.
“While our authorities are on alert, we ask our kababayans (fellow citizens) to prioritize their safety and act with discipline during this time of reflection. Your cooperation is essential for a peaceful observance of the Holy Week,” he added.