In response to the looming threat of Typhoon Pepito, Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas has spearheaded a series of emergency measures, including mandatory evacuations in high-risk zones. The decision comes in the wake of the recent devastation caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, prompting the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) to take proactive steps to safeguard residents.
Dr. Amor Banuelos Calayan, the head of PDRRMO, announced that forced evacuations were being carried out on Saturday, targeting residents in low-lying areas, particularly those near Taal Lake. The urgency of the situation was underscored by warnings from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) about potential volcanic sediment flows and muddy run-offs that could affect communities around Taal Volcano, including Agoncillo, Laurel, and Talisay.
In Cuenca, Mayor Alex Magpantay reported that 26 families, totaling 85 individuals, were evacuated from the coastal barangays of Calumayin and Don Juan to the Bungahan Evacuation Center. The operation was supported by the Cuenca Municipal Police Station, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Philippine Coast Guard.
Governor Mandanas, who also chairs the PDRRM Council, issued Memorandum 06, which mandates a heightened state of emergency preparedness and response across the province. This includes preemptive or forced evacuations, the mobilization of rapid deployment teams, and ensuring the readiness of response facilities.
In addition to these measures, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has suspended all shipping operations at the Port of Batangas. Typhoon Pepito, last reported 235 km east of Catarman, Northern Samar, is advancing northwestward at 25 kph with maximum sustained winds of 175 kph and gusts up to 215 kph. Batangas is currently under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1.