PNoy calls emergency meeting for 'Lando'

MANILA, Philippines — President Benigno Aquino III on Friday afternoon called for a meeting with concerned government officials to discuss the preparations for the onslaught of Typhoon "Lando."

Aquino will meet with National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Director Alexander Pama, Interior Secretary Mel Sarmiento and officials from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

The president will also meet with Philippine National Police chief Ricardo Marquez, Armed Forces chief of staff Hernando Iriberri and other Cabinet members including Science Secretary Mario Montejo and Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman.

The meeting will be held in Malacañang at 3:30 p.m.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. assured the public that the government is preparing for the approaching typhoon.

"NDRRMC is on full alert status and all steps are being taken to ensure the safety of our people in line with the goal of zero casualty," Coloma said in a text message.

At 10 a.m., PAGASA located the typhoon 585 kilometers east of Baler, Aurora with maximum sustained winds of 130 kph and gusts 160 kph.

Lando is expected to make landfall over Aurora-Isabela by Saturday or Sunday and stay within the Philippine area of responsibility until Friday next week.

Public storm warning signals have been hoisted over 19 areas due to Lando, which will bring heavy to intense rainfall. — Louis Bacani

READ: 'Lando' becomes typhoon, moves toward Isabela