OCD regional offices on heightened alert for Holy Week

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Wednesday said its regional offices are on heightened alert for the observation of Holy Week.

In a statement, the OCD said the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center (NDRRMOC) also have elevated their alert levels.

“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 OCD said.

“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,” it added.

According to the OCD, the blue alert means heightened readiness for potential slow-onset hazards or escalating situations, which need the preparedness of selected personnel.

Key personnel from the OCD, supported by Detailed Duty Officers (DDOs), will be on duty at the operation center.

Meanwhile, red alert is raised over Bicol and Western Visayas due to potential threats from Mayon Volcano and Kanlaon Volcano, as well as other weather disturbances expected during the Lenten season.

The OCD said red alert is the highest alert level status to address ongoing or imminent emergencies, requiring immediate staffing and interagency coordination.

Uniformed personnel and representatives from various government agencies are expected to deploy DDOs at the NDRRMOC.

“These personnel will maintain a 24-hour duty rotation throughout this emergency period,” the OCD said. —VAL, GMA Integrated News