MANILA — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has alerted its districts and stations in northern and central Luzon to brace for the possible effects in maritime activities of a tropical storm that is forecast to develop into Super Typhoon Ompong (international name Mangkhut) once it enters the Philippine waters on Wednesday.
In a news release issued Tuesday, PCG Commandant Admiral Elson Hermogino directed all PCG district commanders in areas expected to be hit by the super typhoon to ensure the readiness of all assets and personnel to respond during emergency situations.
Hermogino ordered all PCG personnel to coordinate with their respective Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils for possible rescue and related activities.
He also directed PCG units to remind and prevent all types of inter-island vessels from sailing in the areas, where public storm signal will be possibly hoisted by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.
The riding public is advised to check with their shipping companies for the possible cancellation of their trips, especially those traveling to northern Luzon, southern Tagalog region, and nearby provinces.
The PCG is also informing all participating agencies in the annual International Coastal Clean-up that the activity will be rescheduled on September 22.
At the instruction of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, the PCG is coordinating with the Philippine Ports Authority to prepare the necessary facilities and provisions in case passengers are stranded in ports because of the typhoon. (PR/PNA)
