Local government units have been told: act now, not later.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has urged LGUs to carry out preemptive or mandatory evacuations in danger zones as Typhoon Nando edges closer to extreme northern Luzon.
In its statement, the agency also reminded officials to enforce a no-sail policy and a liquor ban—both critical to keeping communities safe. Evacuation centers, it stressed, must be ready, fully powered, and stocked with supplies before the storm makes landfall.
“All concerned officials must take every necessary action without delay to protect lives and livelihoods,” the DILG said. It also appealed to the public to stay alert, cooperate with authorities, and follow official instructions.
As of 5 p.m. Saturday, Signal No. 1 was raised in 14 areas in Luzon. Typhoon Nando continues to move northwest and could pass close to—or directly hit—Batanes or the Babuyan Islands by Monday afternoon or evening. By Tuesday morning, the storm is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility.
Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is taking no chances. At Basco Airport in Batanes, crews have begun installing typhoon shutters in critical parts of the terminal to secure glass panels, doors, and windows from strong winds.
CAAP Director General, retired Lt. Gen. Raul Del Rosario, also ordered all airports under CAAP’s management—especially those in the storm’s path—to activate their preparedness protocols immediately.
The message is clear: now is the time to prepare. Every hour counts as Typhoon Nando closes in.
