VP Sara urges vigilance, assures disaster response amid Typhoon Tino

Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday urged Filipinos to remain vigilant and follow safety advisories from authorities as Typhoon Tino continues to affect parts of the country, bringing heavy rains and strong winds.

In a statement, Duterte said that public safety remains the government’s top priority and reminded the people to take precautionary measures while the storm persists.

“Mga kababayan, bilang tugon sa epekto ng Bagyong Tino, mahigpit naming ipinapaalala sa lahat ng mamamayan na manatiling mapagmatyag at sumunod sa mga abiso at tagubilin ng mga kinauukulang awtoridad. Ang kaligtasan at kapakanan ng bawat isa ang nananatiling pangunahing layunin sa panahong ito,” she said.

(Fellow countrymen, in response to the impact of Typhoon Tino, we strongly remind all citizens to stay vigilant and follow the advisories and instructions of the relevant authorities. The safety and well-being of everyone remains the main objective during this time.)

The Vice President issued several safety reminders, including staying indoors and away from glass windows, preparing go-bags with food, water, batteries, flashlights, and first aid kits, and unplugging electrical devices to avoid power surges.

She also urged residents not to travel or leave their homes until roads are declared safe by authorities and to move to higher ground if living in flood-prone areas. Duterte added that communities should assist vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

The Office of the Vice President (OVP) has activated its Disaster Operations Center to support and augment local government units in their disaster response efforts.

One person was reported dead, while 59,918 persons, or 17,124 families, were affected due to the onslaught of Typhoon Tino, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Tuesday.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD), meanwhile, is validating reports of at least three deaths linked to the typhoon. 

The state weather bureau PAGASA said Tino is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Wednesday evening or early Thursday morning. —VBL, GMA Integrated News