Police forces in areas adjacent to the path of typhoon "Kiko" were placed on standby for immediate response to the areas that would be devastated amid the warning that the weather disturbance may have catastrophic effects.
Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said both personnel and equipment must be readied for quick deployment for worse-case scenarios in areas that would be affected by "Kiko".
"We are continuously monitoring the effects of this weather disturbance in coordination with concerned government agencies and local government units," said Eleazar.
The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said "Kiko" is already tracking the direction towards Batanes province, which was earlier placed under storm signal number 4 together with the northeastern portion of the Babuyan Islands.
Stormy weather would be experienced in Batanes and the northeastern portion of Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, with possible flash floods or landslides due to heavy to intense rains. Further, rains and gusty winds are expected in Ilocos Norte, Apayao, the rest of Cagayan, Abra, Kalinga, and the northern portion of Isabela, with possible flash floods or landslides due to moderate to heavy rains.
Eleazar appealed to the public, especially residents of those areas hit by the typhoon, to follow instructions from local government officials and cooperate for their safety.