Luzon braces for tropical storm ‘Crising’

As tropical storm Crising approaches, local governments across Luzon are stepping up disaster preparedness to safeguard communities from potential flooding, landslides and power outages.

In Malabon, Mayor Jeannie Sandoval has mobilized all emergency resources, assuring residents that the city is ready.

Equipment, relief goods and rescue teams are on standby, while 47 evacuation centers have been prepped. Sandoval urged the public to stay vigilant, cooperate with authorities and prioritize safety.

“It’s that time again for bayanihan — coming together as one,” she said, encouraging unity and readiness. “We’re monitoring Crising closely — our disaster teams are activated, and pre-emptive evacuation will be enforced if needed under City Ordinance No. 11-2012.”

City officials have met with barangay DRR councils to align response strategies and update the list of flood-prone areas. Malabon’s Command and Communication Center remains fully operational, and the AHON Alert 24/7 App is available for emergency assistance.

City Administrator Dr. Alexander Rosete reminded residents to stay updated via official channels. “The safety of every Malabueno is our top priority.”

Meanwhile, in Central Luzon, Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) has activated its Critical Incident Management Task Group.

Regional Director PBGEN Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr. reported that disaster teams have been deployed to high-risk zones in Pampanga, Zambales and Nueva Ecija. All police units are on full alert.

“Crising demands urgency,” Peñones said. “We are coordinating with local governments to prioritize evacuations and ensure rapid response.” PRO3 is also working with the OCD and DSWD to streamline aid distribution. For emergencies, residents can call PRO3’s 24/7 hotline: 0919-077-7783.

In Aurora, the PDRRMC has placed the province on Blue Alert as heavy rain and winds hit towns like Baler, Casiguran and Dilasag. Classes were suspended in multiple areas, and all banca travel has been halted by the Coast Guard.

Emergency teams are on standby, and 25,000 food packs, medical supplies, and other essentials have been prepositioned by the provincial government and the DoH.

Residents across all affected areas are advised to stay indoors, heed evacuation orders, and monitor updates from local authorities.

Meanwhile, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is gearing up for the possible impact of tropical storm Crising, readying equipment and personnel for emergency response.

As the country’s power system operator, NGCP said it has activated its Integrated Disaster Action Plan, which includes ensuring reliable communications, pre-positioning line crews, and securing repair materials to enable swift restoration of transmission facilities if needed.