National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Chief Director Guillermo Eleazar has assured Metro Manila residents that the police force is preparing for Typhoon Ompong, which may enter the Philippine area of responsibility on Wednesday.
“NCRPO aims for zero if not minimal casualty on the onset of the forecasted potential Super Typhoon “Ompong,” considering that it will heavily affect our country mostly in Luzon area,” Eleazar said in a statement on Tuesday.
“Thus, the Team-NCRPO being proactive is all set and ready to provide security and even rescue operation for the people who will be in distress,” he explained.
READ: ‘Mangkhut’ now a super typhoon — US weather agency
According to Eleazar, he has directed the heads of important offices, especially NCRPO district directors and their corresponding personnel, to be on alert and be prepared for possible deployment.
“Furthermore, both Search and Rescue personnel and equipment of NCRPO are on standby alert and operational ready for probable deployment as the need arises,” he noted.
“Consequently, I directed all District Directors, Chiefs of Office, Station Commanders and Field Commanders to remain vigilant and strengthen coordination with the local government units particularly with the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office within your respective area of responsibility,” he added.
Based on the last weather forecast by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), Typhoon Mangkhut was spotted 1,820 kilometers east of Southern Luzon, with maximum sustained winds of 160 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 195 kilometers per hour.
While it is not expected to directly affect Metro Manila, Mangkhut may intensify the southwest monsoon or Habagat.
READ: PH readies for ‘Ompong’ as typhoon nears
“Although based on the forecast, Super Typhoon “Ompong” will not directly hit hard Metro Manila, but still I am calling on the public to constantly monitor and always remain watchful of what is happening,” Eleazar said.
“Nevertheless, I highly expect your full-cooperation with the respective competent authorities for orderliness. Always keep in mind that security and safety is everybody’s concern. My prayers will be with you always and God bless us all,” he added. /ee