Bicol provinces conduct preemptive evacuations as 'Pepito' nears

LEGAZPI CITY – Local government units (LGUs) in the six provinces of the Bicol have started preemptive evacuations as Typhoon Pepito (Man-Yi) is expected to hit the region on Saturday.

Gremil Alexis Naz, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) spokesperson, said Friday that the governors of Albay, Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Sorsogon, and Masbate ordered residents in high-risk areas to evacuate to safety.

"Since the preemptive evacuations are ongoing, we are still waiting for the final report from the provinces. The residents that are being evacuated are those at high risk for flooding, landslides and storm surges. For Albay and Sorosgon, they also included those who are at risk for lahar since they have the Mayon and Bulusan volcanoes, respectively," he said.

Catanduanes Governor Joseph Cua directed all mayors to activate necessary preemptive and forced evacuation efforts.

"All municipalities within this province are hereby directed to activate and utilize designated preemptive and forced evacuation centers as part of proactive measures for the approaching Typhoon Pepito," the directive read.

Cua added that preemptive evacuation is required for all areas identified as high-risk, with designated centers and special attention for the vulnerable populations.

All tourism-related activities are suspended "to prioritize the safety of both the residents and visitors in the province," Cua said.

Meanwhile, Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office officer-in-charge Dante Baclao said all preparations are in place.

"We are expecting that all residents that need to be evacuated are already in their designated evacuation centers," he said.

The Police Regional Office-Bicol (PRO-5) has 1,600 officers ready to assist those who would be affected by Typhoon Pepito.

PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon said officers will be assigned to help in in mass evacuations and rescue operations.

"PRO-5 personnel will work closely with LGUs and disaster management teams to safely relocate residents from areas at high risk of flooding, landslides, and other hazards caused by the typhoon," he said.

Dizon said they will ensure that evacuation centers are secured, displaced individuals would receive the help they need, general public safety is maintained, and dissemination of important warnings, advisories and updates continue.

"They will work with other emergency responders to coordinate relief efforts and ensure that the community remains safe and orderly," he added. (PNA)