Palawan: The Philippine Coast Guard District Palawan (CGDPAL) on Tuesday mobilized 77 disaster response groups (DRG) to ensure readiness for inclement weather due to the southwest monsoon or 'habagat' and the trough of a low-pressure area (LPA).
According to Philippines News Agency, these 77 DRGs were composed of 608 personnel from its stations and substations, with preparations in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive for the PCG to respond swiftly to any calamity. The CGDPAL emphasized that their DRG teams are fully equipped and prepared to conduct search and rescue operations, focusing on the safety of at-risk communities through proactive disaster preparedness and response efforts.
In addition to the 608 personnel, the DRGs are equipped with 29 floating assets, 12 land mobility assets, one aircraft, and one drone. All PCG stations have also been instructed to maintain close coordination with their respective Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (DRRMOs) to ensure synchronized operations, maximize resources, and facilitate the swift deployment of response teams and equipment.
Through these preparations, CGDPAL reaffirms its steadfast commitment to protect communities, safeguard lives, and remain ready in the face of possible weather disturbances. The agency's proactive stance underscores the importance of readiness in mitigating the impact of natural disasters.
In its 11 a.m. advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that the trough of the LPA and 'habagat' are now less likely to bring significant rainfall over Aurora and Palawan. However, scattered rains and thunderstorms are still expected over Metro Manila, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Ifugao, Benguet, Camarines Norte, and Camarines Sur. The LPA is located 1,170 kilometers east of extreme Northern Luzon as of 3 p.m. and has a low potential of developing into a tropical cyclone.
PAGASA stated that its regional services division will continue to issue thunderstorms advisories, rainfall advisories, or heavy rainfall warnings as necessary, ensuring that the public remains informed and prepared for any weather-related developments.
