LAOAG CITY - Officials and residents have undertaken precautionary measures for the potential impact of Super Typhoon Leon (international name Kong-rey), which is now bringing strong winds and light to moderate rains in Ilocos Norte province. While leading the distribution of rehabilitation inputs in various parts of the province, Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc on Wednesday afternoon announced the suspension of government work as well as classes both in public and private schools at all levels at 2 p.m. 'I hope everyone gets home early before the rain intensifies,' he said in a statement. In Pagudpud town, Mayor Rafael Ralph Benemerito has banned fishing and other related water activities to avoid mishaps resulting in loss of lives. Since Tuesday, some parts of the province have been experiencing light to moderate rains and at times strong winds, prompting some residents to trim branches of tall trees near their houses and ensure that waterways are clear from debris. 'We urge our residents to stay vigilant and be prepared at all times,' said Marcel Tabije, head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. Flag carrier Philippine Airlines, in an advisory posted on the provincial government's official Facebook page, said PAL flights PR2196/PR2197 and PR2198/PR2199 Manila-Laoag and vice versa scheduled for Wednesday have been canceled due to bad weather. The Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative also announced early Wednesday the activation of its Task Force Bagyong Leon to better resolve reports of power interruptions caused by the super typhoon. INEC acting general manager Cipriano Martinez, in a statement, said 'power may be shut down in several areas' to ensure the safety of member-consumer-owners. For any concerns about power interruption or electricity, INEC can be reached through the following hotline numbers: 0998 951 4632, 0917 579 4632, 0998 950 4632, 0966 083 2442, and 0917 555 4632. Source: Philippines News Agency