Police to be on full alert on Thursday for Typhoon ‘Mangkhut’

PNP Chief Dir. Gen. Oscar Albayalde. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / JAM STA. ROSA

The Philippine National Police (PNP) will be on full alert status on Thursday to prepare for the possible effects of super typhoon “Mangkhut,” (local name “Ompong”) Police Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said.

“Effective 6:00 a.m. tomorrow, September 13, I am placing all Luzon-based PNP units in full alert status to ensure availability of forces and personnel on possible disaster response operations,” he said in a press briefing.

Regional and provincial mobile forces and other departments of the PNP will also be on full alert status, Albayalde said.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration earlier said that the typhoon has intensified as it nears the Philippine area of responsibility Wednesday morning.

Preparations similar to “Yolanda-level” are also underway, according to the National Risk Reduction and Management Council.

“We are calling our people in affected areas to stay safe, alert, and informed and heed the orders of authorities, particularly for preemptive evacuation that may be enforced,” Albayalde said.

“The PNP will be there where we are needed most,” he added. /je