BATAAN — Governor Joet S. Garcia declared the suspension of classes in all levels, both public and private, today, 20 October, as Typhoon Ramil continues to dump heavy rains across parts of the province.

"Walang pasok bukas, Lunes, Oktubre 20, sa lahat ng antas ng mga pampubliko at pribadong paaralan sa Lalawigan ng Bataan," said Gov. Garcia in an early advisory.

He said the decision was based on PAGASA’s weather report and the recommendation of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) to protect students and the public from the storm’s effects.

"𝗠𝗮𝗮𝗮𝗿𝗶 𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗮𝗴𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗮𝘄𝗮 𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗼 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗮 𝗽𝗮𝗴𝗽𝗮𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘆𝗮 𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗴𝗮 𝗽𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗻𝗼 𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗮𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻," said Garcia.

In case of emergencies, the public may call the following hotlines:
Emergency Hotline: 911
Landline: (047) 613-8888
Smart: 0919 914 6232
Globe: 0927 605 6991

The governor also urged residents to exercise caution as Tropical Cyclone Ramil lashed Bataan and nearby provinces under Signal No. 2.

"Forecast rainfall may be higher in mountainous and elevated areas. Moreover, impacts in some areas may be worsened by significant antecedent rainfall," said Gov. Garcia, citing the PAGASA report.

PAGASA reported that the most affected regions are Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, and Occidental Mindoro. The eye of the typhoon was spotted 350 kilometers west of Sinait, Ilocos Sur.

In Mariveles town, Association of Barangay Captains president Al Balan said he had canceled the youth basketball tournament scheduled Sunday due to heavy rains and flash floods caused by the typhoon.

"In fact, we had already prepared foods, snacks, soft drinks and sound system for the basketball tournament for the youth. But I have to cancel it to protect the youth and prevent any untoward incident," said Balan, who is also the barangay captain of Alion, Mariveles.

Gov. Garcia reiterated his call for local disaster offices to remain alert.
"The 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," he said.