MANILA, Philippines - Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas has called on all local chief executives of Eastern Visayas and Southern Luzon provinces to brace for typhoon "Maysak," expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Wednesday.
"Malayo pa lang ang bagyo, ready at listo na dapat tayo sa posibleng hagupit nito," Roxas told provincial governors and mayors of cities and municipalities.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said "Maysak," which will be called "Chedeng" upon entering the PAR, was last seen 2,300 kilometers east of Mindanao with maximum sustained winds of 140 kilometer per hour near the center, and gustiness of up to 170 kph.
It is also expected to move west northwest at 23 kph.
According to the latest forecast, it might traverse the country, causing rains and gusty winds in some areas in Central and Eastern Visayas, Southern Luzon, and Bicol Region provinces on Saturday and Sunday.
Metro Manila might experience rainshowers on those days.
Roxas, who currently sits as vice chairperson of the NDRRMC, echoed the department's call for the disaster preparedness of all local government units.
"Ang mga mayor ang first responders. They should man the command centers in their respective localities," he added.
Aside from the expected entry of the typhoon, Roxas said his department is also coordinating with the public safety cluster to continue assisting people travellng in and out of Metro Manila and their home provinces during the Holy Week.