Super Typhoon Pepito, known internationally as Man-yi, wreaked havoc on Polillo Island in Quezon province, causing widespread power outages and communication issues on Sunday. The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC)-Calabarzon reported the impacts, with the Regional Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell (RIACC) closely monitoring the situation from the Emergency Operations Center in Calamba City.
Reyan Derrick Marquez, spokesperson for the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Calabarzon, detailed the typhoon’s effects in a phone interview. Jomalig town faced heavy rains and strong winds early Sunday, leading to a power outage at 3:30 a.m., though communication remained stable. In Burdeos, similar conditions started at 2 a.m., with both power and communication lines affected. Polillo town reported power outages at 7 a.m. amidst heavy rains and strong winds, but communication held steady.
In contrast, Panukulan and Patnanungan experienced strong winds but had varying conditions. Panukulan saw moderate to heavy rains with no mobile signal, while Patnanungan had light rains and unstable communication. Power remained stable in these areas.
Marquez highlighted that 33,959 individuals from 11,346 families across the region followed preemptive evacuation orders. Fortunately, no fatalities, injuries, or missing persons were reported. Efforts are underway to restore communication with the affected towns on Polillo Island, with Marquez expressing relief at the absence of casualties and comparing the situation favorably to the aftermath of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.
Authorities are maintaining close surveillance of the situation, encouraging residents to stay alert and follow updates from local disaster management offices. Restoration of essential services and communication with the affected areas continues. By 2 p.m., Polillo Island was under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 4, having been downgraded from TCWS No. 5.