Offices, shops ordered closed in Bicol due to ‘Ulysses’

LEGAZPI CITY –– Offices and business establishments in at least three provinces of the Bicol region were ordered to close on Wednesday due to the heavy rainfall and strong winds spawned by Severe Tropical Storm “Ulysses.”

In Albay province, Gov. Al Francis Bichara suspended the work in offices, except those involved in public safety and disaster risk reduction, and the operations of all business establishments including malls throughout the province.

In Legazpi City, Mayor Noel Rosal said all the business process outsourcing companies were exempted from the suspension provided employers provide their employees temporary accommodation

In Camarines Sur province, work in government offices was also suspended, except for those in vital services.

Gov. Miguel Luis Villafuerte also encouraged private companies and other offices to close due to the threat of the storm.

In Naga City, Mayor Nelson Legacion said work in all offices would be suspended by 3 p.m.

He directed all employers to prioritize the safety of their personnel and give food and accommodation to those who would work beyond 3 p.m.

In Camarines Norte province, Gov. Edgardo Tallado ordered the suspension of the online, modular and face-to-face classes in private and public schools.

In its 5 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration said tropical cyclone wind signal number 2 was raised in Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, and Burias, and Ticao Islands, while the rest of Masbate was placed under signal number 1.

Pagasa reported that at 4 a.m. today, Nov. 11, the center of Ulysses was estimated at 180 kilometers northeast of Virac, Catanduanes or 415 km east of Infanta, Quezon, with maximum sustained winds of 100 kilometers per hour near the center and gust of 125 kph. It was moving west-northwestward at 15 kph.

ZB