The Philippine National Police (PNP) has begun deploying personnel to assist in possible preemptive evacuations as tropical depression “Ada” threatens parts of the country.

PNP chief Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police units have been positioned in provinces along the storm’s projected path, including Albay, where authorities are also watching out for possible lahar flows from Mayon Volcano.

Disaster response protocols have already been activated in areas directly threatened by the weather disturbance. Police personnel have been instructed to work closely with local government units, particularly in communities near Mayon’s slopes, to ensure residents can be moved out quickly if conditions worsen.

“I have already ordered the deployment of a sufficient number of our personnel to assist in preemptive evacuation, especially in areas near the Mayon Volcano, to protect residents from possible lahar flow,” Nartatez said.

Police units in the Bicol Region have also been directed to coordinate with local disaster risk reduction and management offices, with search and rescue teams placed on standby for immediate response.

At the same time, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has ordered local government units in high-risk areas to step up preparedness and monitoring measures as Ada continues to develop.

Based on the latest advisory from Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, tropical depression “Ada” is expected to move generally west-northwest to northward over the next three days and may intensify into a tropical storm within 24 hours. It could pass close to or make landfall in Eastern Visayas on Friday or early Saturday, and later over Catanduanes before turning northeastward east of Luzon.

The DILG has instructed LGUs to convene their Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils and conduct Pre-Disaster Risk Assessments to guide timely decisions. Flood- and landslide-prone communities are being identified for possible preemptive or mandatory evacuation.

LGUs were also reminded to ensure that emergency operations centers, incident management teams, evacuation centers, and medical facilities are fully operational and stocked with essential supplies, including food, water, sanitation needs and medical provisions.

The DILG likewise emphasized the need for continuous monitoring of official weather bulletins and advisories and for the prompt implementation of appropriate mitigation and preparedness actions to reduce risk and protect lives.

Punong barangays are urged to activate barangay-level preparedness protocols using the “L!STO si KaP” guide and to carry out critical preparedness measures in close coordination with their respective City or Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices.

The DILG reiterates that early preparation, clear coordination, and decisive local action remain critical to safeguarding communities and minimizing the impact of weather disturbances.