Domeng exits PAR; agencies brace for monsoon

MANILA, Philippines — Typhoon Domeng is set to exit the Philippine area of responsibility today, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said.

PAGASA weather specialist Daniel James Villamil said Domeng is moving northward and is heading to the southern portion of Japan. 

It may exit the Philippines this morning or later this afternoon, he said.

Based on the weather satellite, Domeng was located at 650 kilometers east-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes and moving north-northwestward at 15 kilometers per hour.

It was packing winds of 130 kph with gusts of up to 160 kph. 

While it will not directly affect the country, Villamil said that it is expected to continue to pull the southwest monsoon or habagat on the west part of the country.

Palawan and Occidental Mindoro can expect 50 to 100 millimeters of rain today and tomorrow, while Batangas, Bataan and Zambales can expect the same amount of rain from Tuesday until Wednesday.

The Philippine National Police placed its disaster response units on high alert across Northern Luzon, with PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordering the mobilization of personnel and resources to quickly respond to calls for help.

“The safety and welfare of all our kababayan in the affected areas are always the priority. Our personnel and resources on the ground were already mobilized for this purpose,” Nartatez said.

He instructed police offices in the typhoon’s path to maintain close coordination with local government units to ensure rapid responses to emergencies.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Northwestern Luzon also prepared its rescue teams and equipment for the typhoon’s possible onslaught in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan.

The PCG appealed to the public to stay vigilant, monitor weather reports and take the necessary precautions for possible typhoon impact.

 In Negros, the PCG suspended island-hopping tours and other water-related activities yesterday as the monsoon continued to affect the southern part of the island.

The PCG advised sea travelers, coastal residents and fisherfolk to refrain from venturing out to sea to avoid accidents and ensure public safety amid rough sea conditions.