In anticipation of Typhoon Pepito (Man-Yi), the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) in Calabarzon has escalated its alert status to red, signaling maximum readiness. The Emergency Operations Center in Calamba City, Laguna, is now operating around the clock to manage the impending storm’s impact.
Reyan Derrick Marquez, the acting chair of RDRRMC and officer-in-charge at the Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-Calabarzon, emphasized the importance of the red alert status during a phone interview. He stated that this level of alertness ensures swift coordination and mobilization of resources to tackle any disaster effectively.
The Regional Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell (RIACC), comprising key agencies such as the OCD, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, and Bureau of Fire Protection, convened in Calamba City. Their focus is on monitoring local conditions and providing real-time data to facilitate a coordinated response.
Marquez highlighted the proactive measures being taken, including preemptive evacuations in high-risk areas and the strategic placement of family food packs. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration has issued a flood advisory for Calabarzon, identifying vulnerable rivers and tributaries across Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon. Residents near these watercourses, especially those in low-lying and mountainous areas, are urged to stay alert and take precautionary measures.
The Police Regional Office-Calabarzon (PRO-4A) has also raised its alert level. Director Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth Lucas announced the activation of the Regional Standby Support Force, with 438 officers ready for immediate deployment. Additionally, a Search and Rescue Team, consisting of 1,566 officers across 188 teams, is on standby. The deployment will be supported by 407 personnel from partner agencies, including the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and the military. Lucas reassured the public of ongoing efforts to mitigate the typhoon’s impact, prioritizing the safety and security of all residents in the region.