The Philippine National Police (PNP) has placed police units nationwide on heightened readiness as Typhoon “Saudel” and other weather disturbances threaten to bring more rain and flooding in the coming days.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Monday directed police commanders in potentially affected areas to closely monitor weather conditions and coordinate with local government units for emergency response and possible preemptive evacuations.

“Our chiefs of police and other unit commanders in the affected areas were tasked to monitor the situation in their areas and maintain strong coordination with the local government units for a unified and systematic response to ensure the safety of the people,” Nartatez said.

The directive follows orders from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla to ensure public safety amid successive weather disturbances affecting the country.

“As we monitor the track and development, we are coordinating with local government units in case there’s a need to implement preemptive evacuation to ensure safety of residents,” Nartatez said.

PAGASA said Saudel was forecast to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Monday, 24 August, and could intensify into a super typhoon.

The cyclone was moving west-northwest at 25 kilometers per hour.

PAGASA is also monitoring another tropical depression near the country. Saudel will be assigned the local name “Obet” or “Pilandok,” depending on which weather system enters PAR first.

Nartatez said police preparations would extend beyond emergency response, with units tasked to assist communities vulnerable to flooding and other weather-related hazards.

“The PNP will also continue to offer rides for our commuters who could be affected in case of floods similar to what happened last week,” he said.