Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) has mobilized disaster response and incident management teams in Northern Luzon and other areas threatened by Tropical Storm Kiyapo. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. directed Police Regional Offices in Northern Luzon and areas affected by the southwest monsoon to activate their disaster response and incident management teams.

According to Philippines News Agency, Gen. Nartatez has also ordered the prepositioning of search and rescue personnel, rubber boats, high-clearance vehicles, and other emergency response assets in flood- and landslide-prone communities. "All our police units in areas along Kiyapo's projected path are ready. They were already instructed to maintain heightened alert, preposition search and rescue assets, and work closely with local disaster management councils to ensure a swift response," Nartatez said in a statement.

The latest weather bulletin showed that Tropical Storm Kiyapo had slightly intensified with maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 70 kph as it moved west northwest toward Northern Luzon. It is expected to bring strong winds and moderate to intense rainfall across much of Northern Luzon before exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon will continue to bring moderate to heavy rains over Western Visayas, Negros, MIMAROPA, and western sections of Central and Southern Philippines. "We strongly appeal to the public, especially those residing in vulnerable, low-lying, and landslide-prone communities across Northern Luzon and regions affected by the southwest monsoon, to remain vigilant, monitor weather updates closely, and cooperate fully with local authorities should preemptive evacuations become necessary," Nartatez said.