CAMP AQUINO, Tarlac City — The Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) alongside the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC) and the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) is preparing for the imminent threat that typhoon “Mawar” may bring to Northern Luzon.
According to PAGASA, Mawar is forecasted to enter the Philippines’ area of responsibility (AOR) on Friday evening or on Saturday morning, and traverse the regions of Northern Luzon. Mawar is expected to bring strong winds and a large amount of rainfall as it is still tarrying in the waters maintaining its strength, with maximum winds of 175 km/ h.
The NDRRMC is set to declare Red Alert status on May 25 for the possible onslaught of typhoon “Betty” (Filipino name for Typhoon “Mawar” upon entering the Philippines’ AOR).
All Local DRRM Councils were advised to revisit their respective contingency plans. Also, they were instructed to utilize all Early Warning Systems (EWS) such as Short Messaging Systems (SMS), social media platforms, and others to ensure the widest dissemination of weather updates and advisories. The public were advised to suspend outdoor activities like caving or surfing, to take precautionary measures around areas that are susceptible to floods and landslides, and to prepare for Pre-emptive Evacuations for communities at risk.
Commander of Northern Luzon Command, Lt. Gen. Fernyl G. Buca, PAF ensures the public that the NOLCOM troops are in position for the onslaught of the typhoon.
“The Commanders of the different Joint Task Forces under NOLCOM should ensure that every soldier, sailor, airman, marine, and even reservist is ready to immediately respond should our constituents require our assistance,” Buca said.
“In each Joint Task Force (JTF), there exist specialized Disaster Response Units that we activate and deploy proactively during times of calamity. This proactive approach ensures our responsiveness to the needs of the communities that may be affected. Our mandate to serve and protect our people remains unwavering, irrespective of the nature of the threat,” Buca added.
NOLCOM is working hand in hand with the RDRRMC, OCD, and other stakeholders in preparing measures and contingency plans for the imminent threats of typhoon “Mawar”. NOLCOM is ready and on standby to extend assistance like disaster response and relief work to minimize the damage this forthcoming typhoon may bring, staying true to its mandate as Defenders of the North and Protectors of the People. (UnliNews Online)
