Police forces in Northern Luzon and other parts of the country that were projected to be affected by typhoon “Francisco” were alerted and instructed to assist in all disaster response measures.

Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said the goal was also to ensure rapid assistance to communities especially that storm alert levels were already hoisted and weather experts started warning of the effects of heavy rains.

“Police units on the ground observe disaster response protocol, and coordination with local authorities is included for a unified and quick action for the safety of the people,” Nartatez said.

He added that coordination with local government units remains a priority to ensure a timely and coordinated response and public safety in affected areas.

“Our personnel are on alert to ensure the safety of residents, and we will continue to work with local government units for preemptive evacuations, and other operations to ensure the safety of all our kababayan in the affected communities,” he said.

As of 4 a.m., the center of Typhoon Francisco was estimated at 715 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan. The typhoon was packing maximum sustained winds of 140 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 170 kph. It was moving west-northwestward at 30 kph.

PAGASA said Francisco has further intensified and is expected to continue strengthening in the next 24 hours.

In its 5 a.m. tropical cyclone bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) placed Batanes, northeastern portion of Cagayan (Gonzaga and Santa Ana), and eastern portion of Babuyan Islands (Babuyan, Didicas, and Camiguin Islands) under Signal No. 1.

While Francisco is not expected to make landfall, PAGASA said it may enhance the southwest monsoon, which could trigger heavy rains starting Monday, June 22.

PAGASA said these gusty conditions may affect La Union, Pangasinan, Calabarzon, Romblon, Masbate, most of Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Camiguin, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Davao Occidental, and Davao Oriental on Monday.

And this is where police units are wary of as heavy rains usually cause flash floods and landslides that directly affect low-lying communities.

Nartatez also urged the public to remain alert and follow official advisories as weather conditions shift in the coming days “We advise the public to remain vigilant and follow orders from local authorities for their own safety.”