MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Tuesday no Filipino was reported to be “adversely affected” as Typhoon Mangkhut that lashed at Guam on Monday.
In a statement, DFA Assistant Secretary Elmer Cato assured that the agency continues to monitor the situation of the estimated 43,000 Filipinos in Guam and 20,000 others in Northern Marianas.
Consul General Marciano de Borja said the Philippine Consulate General in Agana remains in touch with Filipino leaders in Guam and the Northern Marianas, and the Guam Office of Civil Defense.
He said “Mangkhut” “almost directly hit” the island of Rota in the Northern Marianas, and its southern quadrant affecting the northern part of Guam, including Dededo and Tamuning.
Dededo is Guam’s most populous district with thousands of Filipino residents while Tamuning is where the Consulate General is located.
Conditions of Readiness 1 (damaging winds are occurring or expected within 12 hours) is still in effect in both Guam and the Northern Marianas.
The Guam Office of Civil Defense has advised the public to stay indoors due to debris from fallen trees on some roads. The Consulate General, meanwhile, stands ready to provide assistance to any affected Filipino national in the area.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the typhoon is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Wednesday afternoon and will be named “Ompong”.
The typhoon is threatening northern Luzon and may traverse the Cagayan – Batanes area on Saturday. (Joyce Ann L. Rocamora/PNA)
