By CESAR JOLITO III
Disaster management authorities urged all local government units (LGUs) and response agencies in Negros Occidental and Bacolod City to intensify preparedness measures as Typhoon “Tino” continues to gather strength while moving closer to Negros Island.
“Now is the time to act — not later. Preparedness saves lives,” Raul Fernandez, director of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in Western Visayas, said, underscoring the importance of preemptive evacuation, pre-positioning of food and non-food supplies, and activation of emergency operations centers across the province.
Fernandez issued the directive, urging LGUs to ensure preemptive actions are in place, especially in coastal, island and landslide-prone barangays.
Disaster response offices in Negros Occidental and Bacolod are now under Red Alert status as “Tino” continues to move closer to the Visayas, prompting heightened disaster response and precautionary measures across the province.
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson confirmed that the province has been on heightened alert since Saturday, November 1, to ensure the readiness of all LGUs and disaster response teams.
“My wish for the public is that if there’s a call for a preemptive evacuation, just follow the authorities,” Lacson said.
The provincial government announced the suspension of work in all provincial offices yesterday due to the severe weather conditions and in the interest of public safety.
However, the order clarifies that offices engaged in essential services — particularly in health, disaster response, and public safety — shall continue to operate to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of vital services.
Meanwhile, the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) has shifted from Undas security operations to full disaster response mode under the directive of the Police Regional Office in Negros Island Region.
NOCPPO Director Police Colonel Dennis Wenceslao said all police chiefs have been instructed to activate their disaster incident management task groups, and ensure that search and rescue equipment are ready for deployment.
Wenceslao assured that they are fully prepared to assist in evacuation, rescue, relief, and clearing operations when needed.
Preemptive evacuations
In Bacolod City, Mayor Greg Gasataya also directed the implementation of preemptive evacuations in coastal barangays beginning yesterday afternoon.
Together with City Administrator Mark Mayo, the mayor inspected the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to assess readiness and check rescue equipment.
Gasataya said that public schools will serve as evacuation centers, with relief goods, mobile kitchens, and other emergency supplies already prepared.
“Barangays will be the first responders, while the city and volunteer groups will reinforce their operations,” he said.
Areas prone to flooding during previous heavy rains in the city include Barangays Banago, Pahanocoy, Punta Taytay, Sum-ag, Tangub, as well as Barangays 1, 2, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 35, Mandalagan, Bata, and Villamonte.
Gasataya said 25 individuals from six families are in evacuation centers as preemptive action.
In Barangay Sum-ag, 19 individuals (three families) are now in Sum-ag Elementary School, while Andres Bonifacio Elementary School 2 in Barangay 2 is sheltering six persons (three families) as of press time.
Gasataya appealed to the public to stay home if they have no important activities and to heed the preemptive evacuation calls.
He also announced that as of noon yesterday, sea travel has been suspended, while air travel continues.
Authorities continue to urge residents, especially those in flood-prone and coastal areas, to stay alert, monitor official advisories, and cooperate with authorities as “Tino” threatens to bring heavy rains and strong winds.
According to the latest bulletin of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), “Tino” slightly intensified while approaching Eastern Visayas and Caraga, bringing heavy to intense rainfall.
It is expected to cross Negros Island on Tuesday, November 4, as it tracks toward Panay Island, potentially causing strong winds, storm surges and coastal flooding.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 3 is in effect in Hinigaran, Moises Padilla, Isabela, La Castellana, Pontevedra, San Enrique, La Carlota City, Cadiz City, Bago City, E.B. Magalona, Toboso, Valladolid, Salvador Benedicto, Sagay City, Bacolod City, Murcia, Escalante City, Calatrava, San Carlos City, Silay City, Pulupandan, Victorias City, Talisay City, and Manapla.
TCWS No. 2 was raised over the rest of Negros Occidental.
Pagasa warned of heavy to intense rains over large parts of the Visayas, including Negros Island due to “Tino” and the shearline.
From today until Wednesday, November 5, heavy rains reaching 200 millimeters are expected in Negros Occidental./CJ, WDJ