NCRPO, MMDA on alert for Lando

MANILA, Philippines - The 19,000-strong National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) was placed on red alert as its officials readied rubber boats and six-by-six trucks after Storm Signal No. 2 was hoisted over Metro Manila.

Chief Superintendent Joel Pagdilao, NCRPO director, ordered all five district directors and 38 station commanders to coordinate with local government units (LGUs) for search and rescue or evacuation.

The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) also mobilized yesterday its 500-member rescue battalion to respond to any emergencies that may be brought by Typhoon Lando.

Pagdilao said the NCPRO was placed on red alert starting Friday following the announcement of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) that Lando would bring heavy rains.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) also activated its quick reaction teams in Metro Manila and the provinces.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said the DOLE would provide pre- and post-calamity assistance to displaced workers and their family members.

The Rizal police unit is also monitoring the water level of the San Mateo River, which is connected to the Montalban, Marikina and Pasig rivers. The rivers were placed on Alert Level 1 as of 4:30 p.m. yesterday.

In Manila Bay, a barge loaded with coal and with 10 crewmembers aboard hit the Roxas Boulevard breakwater after its tugboat failed to battle strong waves. No one was reported hurt in the incident.

Pagdilao said the rescue units would be deployed on a per-need basis. Units are monitoring low-lying barangays in the cities of Marikina, Pasig, Taguig, Parañaque, Muntinlupa, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela and Caloocan.

Residents of Barangays Tumana, Malanday and Nangka were also alerted for possible forced evacuation, said Val Arcenal, Marikina City disaster risk reduction and management office chief. – With Mayen Jaymalin, Rey Galupo, Perseus Echeminada, Cecille Suerte Felipe