AFP places units nationwide on 'red alert'

MANILA, Philippines - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) placed its units nationwide on "red alert" starting Thursday noon due to super typhoon "Ruby" (international name "Hagupit").

The AFP said that the alert means all of its forces are ready for instant deployment and on stand-by to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions once "Ruby" makes landfall.

The super typhoon is expected to make landfall on Saturday over Eastern Visayas, the same region devastated by super typhoon Yolanda (international name Hagupit) in November last year.

Thousands of people were killed and millions were displaced because of Yolanda.

The other areas expected to be affected by the super typhoon were the regions of Bicol and Northern Mindanao.

The AFP said its units are expected to coordinate with local government units in conducting preventive or force evacuations, particularly in areas on the direct path of the typhoon, upon the recommendation of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

In its latest bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration placed 10 areas in Eastern Visayas and Eastern Mindanao under public storm warning signal number 1.