OCD calls for 'worst-case scenario' preparations amid Pepito

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said it was preparing for a possible "worst-case scenario" amid the onslaught of Super Typhoon Pepito (international name: Man-Yi).

"Dapat gawin natin iyong worst-case scenario planning – mas maganda na iyong sobra ang paghahanda kaysa magkulang," said Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, OCD administrator, at a news forum on Saturday.

(We should plan for the worst-case scenario. Being overprepared is better than being underprepared.

Billboard tarpaulins were seen folded in some parts of Metro Manila, as shown in footage by Super Radyo dzBB's Luisito Santos and reported in ''24 Oras Weekend'' by Nico Waje on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Malabon Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) had their rescue boats and other vehicles on standby in preparation for possible floods.

The city of Manila had also prepared its rescue boats and suspended classes in all schools over the weekend.

In Quezon City, the local government had cleaned its gutters to prevent floods.

Muntinlupa City had prohibited fishing and sea travel at Laguna de Bay, while San Juan and Parañaque also made preparations.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Land Transportation Office (LTO), and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) appealed to the public not to go out of their homes if they have no important errands or appointments.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla appealed anew to residents of coastal areas to evacuate.

"Hindi po ito biro (This is not a joke)," he said in a Facebook post, as he also urged local chief executives affected to suspend classes in all grade levels on Monday.

Pepito, which made landfall in the vicinity of Panganiban, Catanduanes, at 9:40 p.m., is expected to cross several provinces in Luzon between Saturday evening and early Monday morning, PAGASA said. —Jamil Santos/VBL, GMA Integrated News