Aquino calls for calm as Lando threatens Luzon

President Benigno Aquino III called on Filipinos to remain calm and assured that the government has all preparation in place as Typhoon Lando nears Luzon.

“I am calling on every Filipino: let us avoid panic. Let us do all necessary precautions,” Aquino said in a nationwide televised address Friday evening.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) monitored Typhoon Lando at 510 km East of Baler, Aurora with winds of up to 130 kilometers per hour.

READ: Signal No. 1 raised in Metro Manila as Lando nears Luzon

Public storm warning Signal No. 2 was raised in Aurora, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Nueva Ecija and Northern Quezon including Polillo Island, Pagasa said.

Signal No. 1 was hoisted over Cagayan, Abra, Kalinga, Mt. Province, Ifugao, Benguet, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Bataan, Rizal, Laguna, rest of Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, and Metro Manila.

Aquino outlined all the preparations of various government agencies such as the prepositioning of relief goods as well as heavy equipment for debris clearing operations.

“It is very clear: The government is here to ensure we achieve our target of zero casualties,” Aquino said.

“But I must emphasize: each Local Government Unit (LGU), town, and affected Filipino has a responsibility to be part of our collective action to get through this difficult time,” he said.

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