The cities of Malabon and Navotas, both flood-prone areas in Northern Metro Manila, have started implementing pre-emptive measures ahead of Typhoon Pepito.

Public Information Officer Irish Cubillan said that Navotas Mayor John Rey Tiangco and other key officials held a meeting on Thursday, 14 November to ensure the safety of Navoteños.

Cubillan said that among the highlights of the meeting was the preparation of evacuation centers, especially in the coastal towns.

Cubillan highlighted that the preparations include setting up evacuation centers, particularly in coastal barangays like Tangos North and South, Tanza 1 and 2, San Roque, Daanghari, Sipac, San Jose, Navotas West, and Bagumbayan. 

Relief packages are also stationed at the city hall and local barangays to ensure swift distribution to the residents.

However, Cubillan noted that the coastal dike in Navotas City, which was damaged by ships that ran aground during Typhoon Kristine last October, remains unrepaired.

She added that the shipping company responsible would shoulder the repair costs for the damaged seawall.

Navotas also benefits from the operational navigational gate in Barangay Tanza Uno and its 81 pumping stations, which will help mitigate flooding by quickly removing floodwaters.  

Meanwhile, in Malabon, Mayor Jeannie Sandoval met with the Malabon Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, PNP, BJMP, City Health Department and the local barangay officials to discuss the early preparations for the typhoon.

Pre-emptive and forced evacuations are planned throughout the city to minimize casualties. 

The first-line of emergency workers are also urged to give situational reports to the command center every 6 hours to enable the responders to address the problem immediately.

“Tomorrow morning we should conduct pre-emptive evacuation in high-risk areas, Tinajeros, Hulong Duhat, Dampalit, and the areas close to Tullahan River,” Sandoval announced during a press conference.

PAGASA has also advised residents along Tullahan River to remain vigilant, especially during heavy rainfall, as water from La Mesa Dam will flow toward the river.

During an earlier press conference, PAGASA Senior Weather Specialist Glaiza Escullar said that the highest possible storm signal to be raised in the National Capital Region during Pepito’s passage is Signal No. 3 or 4.