Since the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has not yet lifted its blue alert status, which is now being maintained as a precaution for Typhoon Francisco, despite its low chance of making landfall.
According to a report by RH Edniel Parrosa, as of the latest advisory, the center of Typhoon Francisco was estimated to be about 715 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan. It has maximum sustained winds of 140 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 170 km/h, moving west northwestward at 30 km/h.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 has been raised over Batanes, the northeastern portion of Cagayan (including Gonzaga and Santa Ana), and the eastern portion of the Babuyan Islands (Babuyan Island, Didicas Island, and Camiguin Island).
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the typhoon will continue to enhance the southwest monsoon or “habagat,” bringing strong to gale-force gusts over MIMAROPA, Visayas, and Mindanao.
PAGASA added that Francisco is expected to further intensify and may reach peak strength by June 23 before gradually weakening afterward.
On the security and response side, PNP Chief Pol. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has ordered the deployment of emergency and response units nationwide starting Monday morning. Coordination with local government units has also been strengthened, particularly in low-lying areas vulnerable to flooding and landslides.
The PNP said it is prepared to enforce evacuation measures if necessary to ensure public safety.
Meanwhile, the NDRRMC said its virtual operations center remains active and continues to serve as the central coordination hub for all government agencies and disaster response teams.
