Negros oriental: Negros Oriental Governor Manuel Sagarbarria on Monday directed the provincial government offices to prepare for the onslaught of Typhoon Tino (international name Kalmaegi), as it barrels toward the Visayas.

According to Philippines News Agency, Adrian Sedillo, who heads the province’s Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LDRRMO), reported that the governor gave the directive in the morning after the Emergency Operations Center was activated. Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan were also present at the briefing. Sedillo stated, “Gov. Sagarbarria ordered the prepositioning of goods, manpower, logistics and other resources in anticipation of Typhoon Tino as it is expected to cut across the province on Tuesday.”

Some areas in Negros Oriental were already under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2, prompting precautionary measures. Governor Sagarbarria declared the suspension of classes in all levels in public and private schools on Sunday. Sedillo noted that all DRRMO responders are on standby, with rescue equipment and vehicles ready for deployment.

In addition, the Philippine Coast Guard has suspended all sea travel in Negros Oriental and Siquijor. Some shipping lines voluntarily canceled their trips late Sunday, even before the TCWS release, leaving 91 passengers stranded, along with three vessels seeking shelter and 34 rolling cargoes. Commodore Christopher Auro, Coast Guard District Southern Visayas, revealed that they have been on red alert since Oct. 30, preparing for the All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day observance with 42 deployable response teams and 463 personnel prepositioned in various areas.

Lt. Abigail Enopia, Coast Guard Station Negros Oriental commander, reported that stranded passengers at Tandayag port in Amlan were provided with provisions, while others returned home. Coast Guard personnel have been actively distributing flyers and engaging with coastal communities to warn them against going out to sea and possible storm surges.

Furthermore, the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office has mobilized all personnel to assist in search-and-rescue (SAR) operations. Officer-in-Charge Lt. Col. Criscente Tiguelo announced in a press conference that every police station has at least five SAR-trained personnel ready to lead during emergencies, with additional officers on standby for reinforcement.