BATAAN — Governor Joet S. Garcia on Sunday urged residents to stay vigilant as Tropical Cyclone Ramil continues to batter Bataan and nearby provinces, prompting PAGASA to raise Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 over the northern portion of the province.

“Forecast rainfall may be higher in mountainous and elevated areas. Moreover, impacts in some areas may be worsened by significant antecedent rainfall,” Garcia said, citing PAGASA’s report.

In Mariveles town, Association of Barangay Captains president Al Balan announced the cancellation of a youth basketball tournament due to heavy rains and flash floods brought by the storm.

“In fact, we had already prepared food, snacks, soft drinks, and a sound system for the basketball tournament for the youth. But I have to cancel it to protect them and prevent any untoward incident,” Balan said.

Governor Garcia also reminded local officials to take proactive measures, saying, “Public disaster risk reduction and management offices concerned are advised to take all necessary measures to protect life and property. PAGASA Regional Services Divisions may issue Heavy Rainfall Warnings, Thunderstorm Advisories, and other severe weather information specific to their areas of responsibility as appropriate.”

As of 11 a.m. Sunday, PAGASA said the northern portion of Bataan — including Dinalupihan, Hermosa, Orani, Samal, Abucay, Morong, Pilar, and the City of Balanga — remains under Signal No. 2, with strong winds and moderate to heavy rains expected throughout the day.