Manila: Philippine National Police (PNP) acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has instructed all commanders to remain on high alert in areas impacted by Tropical Storm Ramil, which is currently positioned over the West Philippine Sea. The storm’s center was located 85 kilometers west northwest of Iba, Zambales, as of 5 p.m.
According to Philippines News Agency, Lt. Gen. Nartatez stated that a sufficient number of personnel and resources have been deployed and placed on standby. He emphasized the importance of maintaining open lines of communication among police commanders. Lt. Gen. Nartatez reassured the public of the PNP’s readiness, noting their previous experiences in responding to stronger typhoons this year, ensuring the safety and addressing the needs of citizens.
In a parallel effort, the Philippine Army’s Alpha ‘Alakdan’ Company of the 91st Infantry ‘Sinagtala’ Battalion, under the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, demonstrated its commitment to public service by conducting rapid humanitarian assistance and disaster response in Dingalan, Aurora. Coordinating with the Philippine National Police-Dingalan, the local government unit, and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Army personnel evacuated 37 families, totaling 115 individuals, to the municipal gymnasium.
Weather forecasts predict that Ramil will exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Monday morning. Meanwhile, tropical cyclone wind signal No. 2 remains in effect across several central and southern regions, including parts of La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales, Tarlac, Pampanga, and Bataan. Signal No. 1 is active in additional areas, including Cagayan, Babuyan Islands, Isabela, and several other provinces, necessitating continued vigilance and preparedness among residents and officials.
