OCD orders preemptive evacuations in 8 regions for Tropical Storm Pepito

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has ordered preemptive evacuations in eight regions starting Friday due to threats from Tropical Storm Man-yi, which will be named Pepito upon entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

Regions 1, 2, 3, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, 5, 6, and 7 have been instructed by OCD Operations Service Director Cesar Idio to begin evacuations on Friday as part of precautionary measures.

Idio emphasized that these preemptive actions will continue until Saturday to allow local government units (LGUs) and concerned agencies to ensure the readiness of evacuation centers and response units.

Tropical Storm Man-yi is expected to enter PAR Thursday evening and may batter parts of Luzon by weekend, prompting OCD to instruct regional offices to replenish and pre-position resources during this period.

The national government stresses that local preparations are crucial for public safety against potential hazards such as floods and landslides.