THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has placed its personnel in Zamboanga City on alert to enable them to immediately respond to any emergencies as Typhoon “Ompong” (Mankhut) is set of make a landfall on Saturday, September 15.

Lieutenant Commander Noriel Ramos, Zamboanga Coast Guard station commander, has readied all the command’s water assets to be used in anticipation of flood and seaborne rescue mission.

“We are ready, able and willing to assist Zamboanga City in the event the typhoon will affect our villages. We will be assisting and form as augmentation units to the existing disaster teams of the local government,” Ramos said.

“Our rescue teams are ready for dispatch when the need arises,” Ramos added.

The station commander said the rescue team members are properly trained in search and rescue missions and are equipped with the necessary tools.

“They are well trained by the Coast Guard to save lives and properties during disasters,” he said.

He said the Zamboanga Station is monitoring all types of sea crafts plying the routes from this city to the nearby provinces and vice-versa.

Trips will be canceled as deemed necessary to avoid tragedy at sea amid the inclement weather condition, Ramos added.

However, he said they have already suspended the travel of small ferry and motorboats. (SunStar Philippines)