CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga – The Police Regional Office-3 has placed its units on high alert and activated its disaster response mechanisms ahead of tropical depression Crising’s expected landfall.

PRO-3 chief Police Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr. ordered the immediate activation of the Critical Incident Management Task Group (CIMTG) for Natural Disasters effective July 18. This signals a full-scale mobilization of police resources in anticipation of possible emergencies.

Crising is forecast to bring torrential rains and strong winds across Central Luzon.

“We cannot afford to be reactive,” Peñones said in a statement on Thursday. “Given the projected intensity of Crising and the enhanced southwest monsoon, early action is key. Our teams must be in position, our systems aligned, and our communities informed.”

The directive came as coastal and upland areas of Central Luzon brace for possible flooding, landslides, and storm surges.

Peñones underscored the need for seamless coordination with local government units (LGUs), disaster risk reduction and management councils (DRRMCs), and national agencies for effective response, particularly in the conduct of preemptive evacuations and relief operations.

All police units under PRO-3 have been instructed to remain vigilant, especially in vulnerable areas, and assist in disseminating public advisories, evacuation procedures, and emergency rescue if needed.

Meanwhile, the local government unit of Lal-lo, a coastal municipality in Cagayan, has imposed a temporary liquor ban on liquor effective Thursday, pursuant to Municipal Ordinance (MO) No. 31, as it prepares for Crising.

MO 31 prohibits selling, distributing, and consuming liquor and other intoxicating beverages in the municipality before, during, and after a tropical cyclone and other forms of calamities.

Vice Mayor Maria Olivia Pascual reminded the public to prepare as Crising is moving northwest, traversing the northern portion of Northern Luzon.

Lal-lo is among the low-lying coastal areas of Cagayan and is vulnerable to flooding.

“To avoid incidents related to drinking intoxicating beverages, we remind our constituents to observe liquor ban. Let’s focus on the needs of our families because when you are drunk, you tend to lose focus,” Pascual said.

The liquor ban in the entire municipality will be implemented by the Philippine National Police in collaboration with barangay officials and security forces. Violators will be slapped with fines. (With PNA)