Marcos suspends work, classes due to TS Florita

FILE: President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. (Photo: Office of the President/Facebook)

MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has suspended classes at all levels and work in government agencies in some parts of Luzon on Tuesday and Wednesday due to severe tropical storm Florita (international name: Ma-on), Malacañang announced Tuesday.

In a statement, the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) said class and work suspension effective 1 p.m. Tuesday will be in place in Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Bulacan, Zambales, and Bataan.

However, the suspension excludes frontline agencies that are providing emergency services.

The Supreme Court likewise announced work suspension in the Regional Trial Court of Binangonan; and Metropolitan Trial Courts in Angono and Cardona, all in Rizal province, by 2 p.m.

Meanwhile, the OPS said the suspension of classes and work in private schools and offices will be left to the discretion of their respective heads.

“Sa pribadong sektor, base yun sa diskresyon ng employers, pero rekomendado na isususpinde na rin (In the private sector, it will be based on the discretion of employers but the recommendation is to also suspend classes and work),” Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said in a Palace press briefing.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council earlier recommended the suspension of classes to prevent untoward incidents and ensure the safety of the general public.

Citing the Office of Civil Defense, the OPS said heavy rains pose possible risks to the general public.

“Florita” made landfall over Maconacon, Isabela at 10:30 am. Tuesday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

The weather disturbance will continue moving generally northwestward and is forecast to traverse the northern portion of Isabela and mainland Cagayan.

Afterwards, “Florita” will emerge over the Babuyan Channel tonight.

On the forecast track, the tropical storm may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Wednesday morning.

Authorities earlier urged persons living in areas identified as highly susceptible to hazards to follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials.

The public is also encouraged to monitor heavy rainfall warnings, thunderstorm/rainfall advisories, and other severe weather information issued by their respective PAGASA Regional Services Divisions.

As of 11 a.m. Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 3 was up over the northern portion of Ilocos Norte (Pagudpud, Dumalneg, Adams, Bangui, Burgos), Apayao; southern portion of Babuyan Islands (Camiguin, Fuga, and, Dalupiri Islands); mainland Cagayan; and northeastern portion of Isabela (Palanan, Divilacan, Maconacon, San Pablo, Tumauini, Cabagan, Santa Maria, Santo Tomas, Delfin Albano, Ilagan City, San Mariano). (With a report from Benjamin Pulta/PNA)