NDRRMC placed on red alert

MANILA, Philippines - The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Operations Center has been placed on red alert in preparation for the impact of typhoon “Santi.” 

NDRRMC spokesman Maj. Rey Balido said the alert status took effect at 8 a.m. Friday. 

NDRRMC said the Social Welfare Department has readied P105.87 million worth of emergency relief resources. 

The agency also has an available stockpile of 2,000 family food packs and has readied 4,400 food packs to 65 evacuation centers. 

Maj. Emmanuel Garcia, acting spokesman of the Armed Forces Northern Luzon Command, said their troops have been alerted for disaster response efforts. 

The Army's 7th Infantry Division based in Nueva Ecija has ordered the 56th battalion in Aurora to prepare for emergency situations.

"The different Disaster Response Units of the 7th Infantry Division and 5th Infantry Division were placed on standby to augment units in assisting local communities in the estimated direct path of Santi," Garcia said.

The Naval Forces Northern Luzon has also readied three disaster response teams for possible rescue operations.