Police, maritime units on alert for ‘Ramon’

Himagtocon Spillway in Lagonoy, Camarines Sur overflows due to the continuous rain brought by Tropical Depression “Usman” in December last year. (PDRMCC)

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is on round-the-clock watch as Tropical Storm “Ramon” is expected to intensify further and pass through provinces in Luzon and the Visayas.

PNP spokesperson P/BGen. Bernard Banac said all local police and maritime units with jurisdiction over areas where the weather disturbance is expected to hit—Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Eastern Samar and Northern Samar—have been directed “to be alert and vigilant” and ready “to provide assistance to local government units, disaster risk reduction and management councils and the people “anytime when needed.”

Ramon slightly accelerated before dawn Wednesday and has shifted direction from west to west northwest.

Catanduanes, Eastern Samar and the eastern part of Northern Samar are under Signal No. 1, with more areas expected to be placed under storm warning signals in the coming hours.

“We assure the public that the PNP is always prepared to respond to any emergency, disaster or calamity to ensure the safety and security of our people,” Banac said in a statement.