'Opong' threatens; Marcos orders full gov't mobilization

President Marcos has ordered a full government mobilization ahead of the expected landfall of potential Severe Tropical Storm Opong this weekend.

- ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS and ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Opong (international name: Bualoi) is still on track to slam into the Bicol Region as a typhoon by today, Sept. 25, prompting the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration to raise Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 3 over parts of Samar Island on Thursday afternoon, Sept. 25.

Speaking at a National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) briefing in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, the President directed agencies to maximize resources and preposition all available assets, especially in highly populated areas along the typhoon's projected path.

"We have to prepare for the worst-case scenarios," Marcos said Wednesday, Sept. 24, as he stressed the importance of intensified coordination and forward deployment of supplies.

Opong is expected to bring heavier-than-usual rainfall across Luzon.

Marcos ordered agencies to focus their preparations on the Bicol Region, Metro Manila, and Central Luzon, which are forecast to bear the brunt of the storm.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported that 2.5 million family food packs are already prepositioned nationwide for immediate distribution.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said relief goods, medicines, and other critical supplies have also been deployed, particularly in remote and high-risk areas.

He added that the Department of National Defense (DND) is ensuring logistics support, road access, and stock replenishment as part of its contingency measures.