The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) called the preemptive evacuation the key to safety following the onslaught of typhoon Pepito in the country.
According to NDRRMC Administrator Usec. Ariel Nepomuceno, early evacuation protected residents in communities expected to be hit by the typhoon.
Over 1.24 million individuals have been evacuated from the regions of Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol, and Eastern Visayas.
In an interview with DZRH News, reported by RH Edniel Parrosa, PBGen. Andre Dizon, head of Region 5, acknowledged that many residents insisted on staying in their homes. However, they were forcibly evacuated under the directive of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Moreover, Governor Joseph Cua of Catanduanes stated that seven out of their 11 municipalities experienced widespread destruction, with some areas even submerged in floodwaters up to neck-deep.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. previously expressed concern over the potential impact of the storm surge brought by Typhoon Pepito, which led him to order relevant government agencies to move residents to higher ground.
