PH military readies for Typhoon Ulysses response

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine military units in Luzon began preparations as  Typhoon Ulysses (international name Vamco) barreled towards Quezon-Aurora.

The weather bureau said the typhoon may reach its peak intensity of 130 to 155 kph before landfall over Polillo Island and mainland Quezon by Wednesday evening or early Thursday.

The military said it is watching the situation closely and its disaster relief equipment and personnel are already placed on standby.

“Personnel and equipment of Southern Luzon Command, Northern Luzon Command, and JTF National Capital Region down to the battalion level are already pre-positioned in safe locations,” AFP public affairs chief Capt. Jonathan Zata said in a statement.

“Coordination with other LGUs are also in earnest including NDRRMC and its local counterparts to ensure their immediate response as soon as the storm passes,” he said.

He said all the disaster response across Luzon remained alert in the entire Luzon and parts of Visayas since Typhoon Rolly hit the country.

Zata said search and rescue units with mobility assets are also working round the clock to evacuate those in low-lying areas.