MANILA, Philippines — All government agencies are on full alert as the Philippines braces for the impact of Typhoon Uwan, which may intensify into a super typhoon before directly making landfall in Luzon.
President Marcos yesterday assured the public that the government is continuously monitoring the cyclone as it approached northern Luzon.
“All agencies of the government are on full alert and have immediately acted to ensure the safety of our countrymen,” he said in a statement. “Follow the advice of your LGU and evacuate immediately if you are in a dangerous area. Prepare your primary needs and monitor official announcements. Let us unite. Every second counts.”
Marcos said the Department of Transportation and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board have deployed buses and trucks for evacuation, while the social welfare and public works departments, along with the military and coast guard, have prepositioned rescue vehicles, lifeboats, and relief goods in areas likely to be affected.
Toll fees have been suspended for emergency convoys and responders, and special lanes have been designated to ensure immediate access to high-risk areas.
Across Metro Manila, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and local governments have cleared waterways and removed obstructions, while malls and buildings have opened parking areas for residents in flood-prone zones.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government, for its part, has begun preemptive evacuations to safeguard residents in high-risk areas.
In Northern Luzon, the Armed Forces’ Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) has placed all disaster response units on heightened alert.
Lt. Gen. Aristotle Gonzalez said NOLCOM’s emergency monitoring and action center has been activated since Nov. 5 to ensure rapid coordination during emergencies.
Search, rescue, and retrieval teams, along with essential equipment, have been positioned for immediate deployment.
Some air and naval assets have also been relocated from danger zones to ensure their availability for post-typhoon operations.
“NOLCOM is ready to assist our communities in facing the challenges that Super Typhoon Uwan may bring,” Gonzalez said, adding that liaison officers have been assigned to coordinate with regional disaster councils in Regions 1, 2, 3 and the Cordillera.
Police forces have likewise stepped up preparations.
Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said at least 4,142 police officers have been mobilized for pre-disaster operations — 3,391 in Calabarzon, 375 in Ilocos, 368 in Central Luzon, and eight in Mimaropa.
Around 8,358 reactionary standby support forces are also on call in Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa and the Cordilleras.
About 20,000 evacuation centers are being secured nationwide, while 773 officers in Metro Manila and 2,300 responders remain on standby for immediate deployment.
“We are working closely with LGUs and other frontline agencies to make sure our communities are safe and that help reaches those who need it the most,” Nartatez said.
Local governments, meanwhile, have begun suspending work and classes as a precaution to ensure the safety of employees and students.
Marikina Mayor Marjorie Ann Teodoro ordered the suspension of in-person and online classes from Sunday to Monday, while Mandaluyong Mayor Carmelita Abalos suspended classes and non-essential work at city hall on Monday.
To bolster relief operations, the Department of Social Welfare and Development has prepositioned over two million family food packs, 314,000 non-food items, and 91,101 ready-to-eat food packs nationwide.
Water filtration kits, mobile kitchens, command centers, and water treatment units will also be deployed across North Luzon beginning this weekend to ensure access to clean water during and after the typhoon.
Meanwhile, the Diocese of Virac in Catanduanes announced that parish churches will again serve as evacuation centers.
“Guided by faith and charity, we open the doors of our churches to welcome evacuees,” the diocese said, urging prayers for the safety of communities across Bicol and Northern Luzon.
As evacuation centers fill up, the Department of Health reminded the public that smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited inside shelters and schools because of health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory illnesses.
Those seeking help to quit smoking are advised to call its Quitline at 1558.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration warned yesterday that Uwan may reach super typhoon strength before making landfall, possibly over Catanduanes or nearby provinces today or tomorrow. — Artemio Dumlao, Jose Rodel Clapano, Bella Cariaso, Emmanuel Tupas, Rhodina Villanueva