43K Families Evacuate Ahead of Super Typhoon Pepito’s Landfall.

Manila: The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported that a total of 43,623 families have complied with government advisories for preemptive evacuation as Super Typhoon Pepito, internationally known as Man-yi, is anticipated to make landfall in Catanduanes either Saturday night or Sunday morning. “As of 7 a.m. today, we have received reports that 43,623 families, or 134,653 individuals, agreed to the forced evacuation implemented by the local government units (LGUs) to ensure their safety,” OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno stated during a press briefing.

According to Philippines News Agency, in preparation for the storm, emergency response measures have been set in place, including the distribution of family food packs and hygiene kits. Nepomuceno urged residents in areas prone to storm surges and landslides within Pepito’s path to comply with evacuation orders, highlighting the increased danger due to ground saturation from previous typhoons. The OCD chief also warned about the potential thre
at posed by storm surges, which could reach heights of two to three meters in low-lying coastal areas.

Nepomuceno emphasized the importance of aiming for zero casualties with Pepito, noting that significant preparations have been made in Regions 1 (Ilocos), 2 (Cagayan), Cordillera Administrative Region, Regions 3 (Central Luzon), 8 (Eastern Visayas), and Calabarzon. In Manila, Mayor Honey Lacuna has ordered the evacuation of residents from seven high-risk coastal areas, including Baseco, Parola 1 and 3, Isla Puting Bato, Sta. Mesa’s Barangay 598, and Tondo’s Barangay 101, 105, and 128.

For public safety, billboards have been dismantled, and the ‘Move Manila’ carless Sunday event along Roxas Boulevard has been canceled. Additionally, all Sunday classes in public and private schools, including National Service Training Program classes and graduate schools, have been suspended. The following venues are prepared to accommodate evacuees: Benigno Aquino Elementary School (ES), Corazon Aquino High School, Herminig
ildo Atienza ES, Rosauro Almario ES, Pedro Guevarra ES, and Delpan Evacuation Center.

Mayor Lacuna stressed the goal of zero casualties during and after Super Typhoon Pepito, citing the risks of leptospirosis, dengue, and other water-borne diseases. Nepomuceno reiterated President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to prepare for worst-case scenarios, urging caution and underscoring the need for continued coordination with LGUs for accurate updates, public warnings, and the identification of suitable evacuation centers in areas likely to be affected by storm surges and landslides.