Batanes set to impose liquor ban in preparation for Betty

Batanes Governor Marilou Cayco is set to impose a liquor ban in the province on Sunday as part of preparations for Typhoon Betty (international name: Mawar), according to a report by Jonathan Andal on Super Radyo dzBB.

Cayco also checked the food packs that would be distributed to residents who may be affected by the typhoon.

She ordered that a brand of canned tuna be removed as there were feedback that it was salty and "malansa".

The Department of Social Welfare and Development said it will replace the canned tuna.

Cayco said 6,000 family food packs were already distributed to six municipalities. Another 800 family food packs are on standby at the provincial office.

The Batanes provincial government also lent ropes to residents to be used in securing their houses as protection against Betty's strong winds and rains.

Construction materials were also prepositioned by the provincial government for use should houses and infrastructure be damaged.

A few tourists meanwhile took advantage of the fair weather on Sunday to go around tourist spots such as the Rakuh A Payaman or "Marlboro Country" rolling hills.

Some tourists were stranded in the province as flights to and from Batanes were canceled starting Monday up to Wednesday.

Authorities have prohibited sailing and swimming at this time.

Batanes was placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 on Sunday. 

Under TCWS No.1, strong winds with speeds ranging 39 to 61 km/h, may prevail within the next 36 hours. Wind impacts may also result in minimal to minor threat to life and property.

From Monday morning to Tuesday morning, Batanes, the northwestern portion of mainland Cagayan, and the northern portions of Ilocos Norte and Apayao, may see 50-100 mm of rainfall, PAGASA said. —KG, GMA Integrated News