Palace: Duterte monitoring TD Vicky situation

(MALACAÑANG PHOTO)

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Saturday said that President Rodrigo Duterte continues to monitor the situation in areas on the path pf of Tropical Depression Vicky. 

 “The Chief Executive continues to monitor Tropical Depression Vicky as concerned agencies of the government assist areas that are in the track of ‘Vicky’  and provide rescue and relief operations to affected residents,” Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said in a statement. 

“We laud the local government units of the affected areas for their timely pro-active preparation as well as their readiness in responding to the effects of the TD Vicky in their localities,” he added. 

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque/ Screenshot from PCOO Facebook video

 Based on Pagasa’s 11 a.m. weather update,  Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 is hoisted over four areas in Luzon. 

Vicky is expected to make landfall in the the vicinity of the northern or central portion of Palawan Saturday night. 

 Roque added that as of 6 p.m. on Friday, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) central office, field offices and national resource operation center have stockpiled a total of 230,191 family food packs. 

“The Department of Health (DOH) meanwhile prepositioned drugs and medicines in affected regional and provincial DOH offices.  The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) prepositioned teams are now on scene already conducting clearing operations,” Roque added. 

 The Philippine National Police has also deployed 1,590 search and rescue personnel, Roque added. 

 “We ask the public, especially those living in the affected areas to stay calm, remain vigilant and be ready to evacuate in case local authorities advise them to do so and regularly monitor government advisories and weather updates for more information,” the Palace spokesman said. 

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