MANILA — The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and its regional offices are on high alert as Tropical Storm Kristine continues to drench Luzon and parts of the Visayas. Seven regions, including the Cordillera, Cagayan Valley, and Bicol, have activated the highest emergency protocol, Charlie, with extensive preparations in place to respond to potential disasters.
OCD regional directors have conducted risk assessments, activated response clusters, and prepositioned resources. Relief operations are underway, and continuous monitoring is in effect. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is also coordinating to provide aid to affected families.
In Leyte, OCD Eastern Visayas Director Lord Byron Torrecarion confirmed directives from National DRRMC Chair and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. to secure funds for relief distribution. Meanwhile, in Central Visayas, efforts are focused on mitigating road flooding, with ongoing monitoring of river conditions to prevent further risks.
OCD spokesperson Director Edgar Posadas clarified the use of emergency protocols, explaining that higher-risk areas prompt stricter measures. He added that LGUs have been instructed to convene disaster councils for early warning and to activate barangay units for local preparedness.
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla assured the public that all LGUs and civil defense units are mobilized and ready, crediting former DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos for his work on typhoon preparedness. The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has also activated its shelter clusters in Kristine’s path, with Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar affirming the provision of cash assistance to those with damaged homes.
The government remains on high alert as Kristine’s full impact unfolds, ensuring the safety and readiness of communities.
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