Coast Guard units on full alert for storm ‘Quinta’

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard has placed on “full alert” all its units nationwide for the onslaught of tropical storm “Quinta, which has entered the Philippine area of responsibility.

In a statement, Rear Admiral Rodolfo Isorena, PCG commandant, directed PCG stations, on Tuesday, to coordinate with the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils for possible search-and-rescue operations in areas that might be adversely affected by the weather disturbance.

He also warned small vessels, including fishing boats, against sailing in the eastern part of the country where sea conditions have reportedly been rough.

Interisland ships “should refrain from sailing once public storm signals are hoisted by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration in their areas of operation, which may be affected by the storm,” he said.

Isorena also reminded fishermen and boat operators to wear their safety gear at sea at all times.