Kristine prompts suspension of gov’t work in Albay, Camarines Sur 

LEGAZPI CITY — Heavy incessant rain brought by Tropical Storm Kristine, prompted the local governments of Albay and Camarines Sur to suspend work in government offices on Tuesday, Oct. 22.

In Camarines Sur, Gov. Vincenzo Renato Luigi Villafuerte said work in provincial government offices was suspended, except for those directly involved in disaster risk reduction and management, delivery of basic and health services, and other essential sectors.

Villafuerte encouraged the town offices, other government agencies, and private companies to order the same work suspension.

Naga City Mayor Nelson Legacion earlier ordered the suspension of work in all government and private offices and establishments to ensure the safety of the employees and facilitate response efforts in the affected areas. He also said that the companies would be “held liable” in case of any untoward incident involving their employees.

Albay Acting Gov. Glenda Bongao also ordered the suspension of work in government agencies, except for frontline workers.

Catanduanes Gov. Joseph Cua released a memorandum suspending work in all government offices.

They also encouraged the private sector to suspend work.

Kristine intensified into a tropical storm on Tuesday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration’s 5 a.m. bulletin.

All the provinces in Bicol were under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1, the agency added.