The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) advised the public to prepare for the effects of a new low pressure area (LPA) monitored at 610 km east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur on Friday, Dec. 9.
Asst. Sec. Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV, OCD deputy administrator for operations, said a memorandum was issued to all chairpersons of regional disaster risk reduction and management councils (RDRRMCs) and OCD regional directors to undertake necessary actions and preparations in connection with the new LPA in east of Mindanao and the shearline in Northern Luzon.
Alejandro said that the heads of disaster units in all 17 regions nationwide were directed to monitor closely the warning and other advisories issued by Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-Pagasa), Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB), and other surveillance agencies.
They were also told to initiate pre-disaster risk assessment (PDRA), and strengthen their risk communication and localize the warning to communities.
Further, they were also instructed to ensure adherence to the NDRRMC guidelines on Covid-19 preparedness measure, and submit regular RDRRMC situation report which highlights the current situation, preparedness measures, summary of damage, and response needs to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRM) Operations Center.
Rainfall warnings were also issued in Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, Bukidnon, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Sur, Davao del Norte, North Cotabato, Maguindanao del Norte, Eastern Samar, Samar, and Bohol due to the trough of the LPA.
The OCD advised residents in the said areas to take extra precaution from extreme rain, flooding, and landslide, Alejandro said.