The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) regional offices, along with the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils (RDRRMCs) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center (NDRRMOC), have elevated their alert levels in response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure public safety during the Holy Week observance.
As of 6 p.m. yesterday, a blue alert has been issued for the NDRRMOC and the regions of CAR, I, II, III, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, CARAGA, and BAR. The National Capital Region (NCR) will be under blue alert from 5 p.m. today, April 16, until 8 a.m. on April 21, Monday.
The blue alert signifies the raising of the alert status of the NDRRMOC primarily in preparation for a slow-onset hazard event or in anticipation of situation escalation, requiring selected duty personnel.
Under this alert, uniformed personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Philippine National Police (PNP), along with other concerned agencies, shall immediately deploy Detailed Duty Officers (DDOs) at the NDRRMOC during this emergency status to render 24-hour duty on a rotational basis.
Regions V and VI are currently on red alert due to potential threats from Mt. Mayon and Mt. Kanlaon, respectively, as well as other weather disturbances expected during the Lenten season.
The red alert is the highest level of alert activated to address an ongoing or imminent emergency situation, requiring response agency staffing at the NDRRMOC and immediate interagency coordination.
Under this alert level, uniformed personnel from the AFP, BFP, PCG, and PNP, along with representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Energy (DOE), and other identified agencies will deploy DDOs at the NDRRMOC to render 24-hour duty on a rotational basis.
NDRRMC Executive Director and Office of Civil Defense Administrator Undersecretary Ariel F. Nepomuceno urges the public to exercise caution during this Lenten season. “While our authorities are on alert, we ask our kababayans to prioritize their safety and act with discipline during this time of reflection. Your cooperation is essential for a peaceful observance of the Holy Week,” Nepomuceno stated.
As of today, thousands of passengers are on the move through airports, road transport terminals, and seaports to take advantage of the Holy Week break.
