The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said it has begun deploying personnel to assist in the possible preemptive evacuation of residents in areas expected to be affected by Tropical Depression Ada.

PNP Chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police units have been positioned in provinces along the projected path of the weather disturbance, including Albay, where concerns have been raised over possible lahar flows due to the continuing activity of Mayon Volcano.

According to Nartatez, disaster response protocols have already been activated in areas directly threatened by the storm. 

He added that police personnel have been tasked to assist local government units in evacuation operations, particularly in communities located near the slopes of Mayon Volcano.

“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 the residents from possible lahar flow,” he said. 

Police units in the Bicol Region have also been directed to coordinate closely with local disaster risk reduction and management offices to prepare for the combined risks posed by the tropical depression and volcanic activity. 

Search and rescue assets have been placed on standby should they be needed.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that Tropical Depression Ada is expected to move generally northwestward over the next three days.

The storm may pass close to or make landfall in Eastern Visayas on Friday or early Saturday morning. 

It may also make landfall over Catanduanes on Saturday or Sunday before turning northeastward over the sea east of Luzon.