In Baguio, DPWH ready to clear debris so all roads passable for Ompong aid

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has pre-positioned equipment for the transport of relief goods while Kennon Road has remained closed ahead of typhoon Ompong's landfall on Saturday.

In a report by GMA News' Daryl Tuclab, DPWH Secretary Mark Villar said the pre-positioned equipment include 200 payloaders and backhoes.

Likewise, at least 1,000 personnel were deployed to remove any debris that would hamper the delivery of relief goods.

“We don't want a situation where areas will be isolated because of a landslide. We want to make sure all roads are passable,” Villar, who was in the Benguet in compliance of President Rodrigo Duterte's directive that Cabinet members should be deployed in Ompong affected-areas, said.

Satellite phones have also been provided to authorities so they can still be in touch in the even that the typhoon bogs down the communication lines.

Earlier in the day, miners who are working on a City Camp Lagoon Tunnel were also made to stop working ahead of Ompong's landfall.

The City Camp Lagoon Tunnel would expand the tunnel from Barangay lower rock quarry to crystal cave, a project that is expected to prevent flooding.

Baguio City's local disaster prevention and management office Chief Julius Santos also assured that all the miners were accounted for and that site has been closed due to expected onslaught of Ompong.

“Pinasara na muna natin to make sure wala na papasok. Very dangerous,” Santos said. —Llanesca T. Panti/JST, GMA News