PNP Northern Luzon units brace for impact of ‘Rosita’

Philippine National Police (PNP) said the preparations include taking a closer watch on incumbent officials particularly their compliance to the so-called Alunan doctrine which limits bodyguards of officials to a maximum of two.(PNA file photo by Joey O. Razon)

MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday alerted all of its units in Northern Luzon for the onslaught of Typhoon Rosita (international name Yutu).

“I have alerted the regional directors of the Ilocos-Pangasinan Region, Cagayan Valley Region and Cordillera to activate their respective disaster response implementing plans in coordination with LGUs and DRRMC (Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council) agencies in anticipation of possible destructive effects of typhoon Rosita that is expected to cut across Northern Luzon this week,” PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said in press briefing after Monday’s flag ceremony.

“We have likewise alerted our specialized search and rescue units as well as our augmentation force from the nearby regions to be on standby to provide necessary support when needed,” the PNP chief added.

Also on Monday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has placed its Operations Center on red alert ahead of the typhoon effective 8 a.m..

On Sunday, the NDRRMC conducted a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment meeting relevant to the possible effects of Rosita to the country and the preparation measures by the council.

The meeting was presided by Executive Director Ricardo Jalad, which was also joined by representatives from NDRRMC member agencies, including the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of the Interior and Local Government, National Economic and Development Authority, PAGASA, Department of Health, Department of Education, Mines and Geoscience Bureau, Department of Public Works and Highways, Bureau of Fire Protection and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Rosita packs maximum sustained winds of up to 150 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 185 kph, will bring moderate to heavy rains over Northern and Central Luzon beginning Monday night.

It is expected to make landfall over the southern Isabela-northern Aurora area early Tuesday.