Philippine National Police (PNP) acting chief, Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., on Thursday, committed officers to assist in the preemptive evacuation of residents who may be affected by Tropical Depression “Ada.”
Nartatez said sufficient personnel have been deployed in areas where “Ada” is expected to pass, including Albay province, where residents are concerned about possible lahar flows amid the ongoing unrest of Mayon Volcano.
“Our disaster response protocols have already been activated in areas that would be directly affected by this weather disturbance,” the acting PNP chief said.
“I have already ordered the deployment of a sufficient number of our personnel to assist in preemptive evacuation, especially in areas near the Mayon Volcano to protect the residents from possible lahar flow,” he added.
Aside from the approaching storm, Bicol Region residents are also monitoring volcanic activity from Mayon, which saw continued rockfall incidents and pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said.
Concerned police units have been tasked to coordinate with local disaster offices to prepare for Ada’s potential impact, the PNP leader said.
“Search and rescue assets have been prepared in case they are needed,” Nartatez said.
State weather bureau PAGASA reported that “Ada” will generally move northwestward over the next three days.
The storm is expected to pass close to or make landfall in Eastern Visayas on Friday or early Saturday morning.
“Ada” may also make landfall over Catanduanes on Saturday or Sunday. Afterward, it is expected to turn generally northeastward over the sea east of Luzon.
Nartatez urged the public to remain vigilant as he reminded citizens to monitor weather forecasts and follow advisories from authorities for their safety.
“Isa lamang ang ating pakiusap sa ating mga kababayan: sumunod kayo sa mga abiso ng mga awtoridad dahil ito ay para sa inyong kaligtasan,” he said.
(There is only one thing we ask of our fellow countrymen: follow the advisories of the authorities, because these are for your safety.)
