TROPICAL depression Tino has been reduced by the state weather bureau to a low pressure area (LPA).

“Nalusaw na si Tino (Tino has weakened),” Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) spokesman Nathaniel Cruz said.

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“Tino,” the 20th disturbance to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility this year, will not make landfall and will not anymore be a threat to the country, added Cruz.

It came just days after Typhoon Santi ravaged Central and Southern Luzon and the National Capital Region.

As of 10 a.m. Tuesday, the center of the LPA was estimated at 120 kilometers North Northeast of Casiguran Aurora.

All public storm signals have also been lowered Tuesday.

Last Monday, Pagasa raised signal number 1 in some provinces in Luzon due to “Tino.” This includes Batanes group, Cagayan, Babuyan, Calayan islands, Apayao, Kalinga, Mt. Province, Ifugao, Isabela, Quirino, and Northern Aurora.

The weather bureau however warned that the Eastern section of Northern and Central Luzon will have occasional to frequent rains which may trigger flashfloods and landslides.

Cruz also said the northeast monsoon may bring strong wind and rain to the eastern parts of Luzon.

About two more typhoons are expected to enter the country this year, according to Cruz.

Still on alert

Despite the development, the government on Tuesday said it will keep on toes against any untoward incident that “Tino” could still cause.

The weather bureau said that although “Tino” deteriorated, it may still pour rains in some parts of northern Luzon, which could result to landslide.

Deputy Presidential spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo said they just need to reactivate the pre-positioning measures deployed in Northern Luzon.

“There was also pre-positioning of relief goods. We also have stockpile there (Northern Luzon),” she added.

The government is also ready to augment police personnel in the areas needed to implement force evacuation.

Fajardo advised the public in areas vulnerable to the effects of “Tino” to continuously monitor the advisories of the Pagasa and the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC). (Justine Paredes and Jill Beltran/Sunnex)