Metro Manila cops on full alert due to Betty

MANILA, Philippines — Metro Manila police are on full alert to prepare for possible search and rescue operations due to Super Typhoon Betty, according to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).

In a statement yesterday, NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo said 710 police personnel with training in search and rescue are on standby at the regional headquarters.

An additional 100 police personnel are also on alert to augment police deployment over the weekend during the typhoon.

While weather forecasters do not see the typhoon directly hitting Metro Manila, Okubo said police are ready to respond in rescuing victims in case of floods.

“It is better to be ready and alert to ensure each other’s safety,” Okubo said in Filipino.

Taguig: Keep pets safe

Meanwhile, the Taguig City government yesterday reminded its constituents to keep not just their families, but also their pets, safe from bad weather due to Super Typhoon Betty.

“The city of Taguig reminds every furparent in the city to bring their pets to a safe place during Super Typhoon Betty,” city hall said in a Facebook post.

Pets should not be chained or caged “where they will become trapped if floodwaters rise,” the city government added.

“Pets are family,” city hall said.

While the supertyphoon had no direct effect on Taguig yesterday, residents are still advised to prepare for thunderstorms, according to the Taguig Open Weather and Environmental Reporting System. — Marc Jayson Cayabyab