OCD issues blue alerts in regions during Holy Week

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has elevated its alert levels in response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to ensure public safety during Holy Week.

As of 6 p.m. Tuesday, a 'blue alert' was issued for multiple regions including Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Central Visayas, and others, with the National Capital Region set to be under 'blue alert' from Wednesday until April 21.

The OCD's regional offices are on heightened alert, with the NDRRMOC and various regions maintaining a blue alert status for potential slow-onset hazards or escalating situations requiring selected personnel readiness.

Bicol and Western Visayas remain under red alert due to potential threats from Mount Mayon and Mount Kanlaon, as well as other weather disturbances expected during Lent.

Key personnel from the OCD, supported by Detailed Duty Officers (DDOs), will be on duty at the operation center throughout this period.

The highest alert level requires representatives of various departments and agencies to deploy DDOs for 7-day continuous duty at the NDRRMOC.