Residents, fishermen and tourists in Palawan were advised yesterday by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) to stay clear of landslide-prone areas, not to sail to high seas and not to swim in beaches as typhoon “Gardo” moves closer to the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

Jerry Alili, chief of the PDRRMO in the province, said residents near coastal areas that are susceptible to storm surges should be alert to evacuate immediately if they see the weather condition worsening in the next hours.

“If they see that the condition is no longer safe for them in the coastal areas, they should be prepared to evacuate immediately. Our fishermen should avoid going out to distant sea areas and our guests should avoid swimming in the beaches so they will be safe,” Alili said.

Alili said they have already opened all their operation centers in the province since last week, particularly in southern Palawan.

However, they will be on full monitoring on Monday, including in the northern areas of the province, since “Gardo” is expected to enter PAR on that day if it does not change its speed and course of direction.

“Our operation centers have pre-positioned relief goods, rescue vehicles and food items to take care of the needs of those who might evacuate,” he said.

He added that all municipal DRRMO have also been alerted to keep a close watch on Gardo’s possible effects.

At the local PAGASA office, weatherman Sonny Pajarilla also echoed Alili’s call on Friday for fishermen not to go out to the high seas due to heavy rains brought by Gardo, if it enters the PAR.