ZAMBOANGA CITY(July 8) — The Philippine Coast Guard in Zamboanga has placed its disaster response teams and rescue assets on standby as Super Typhoon Bavi approaches the Philippine Area of Responsibility, heightening preparedness for possible maritime emergencies along the region’s coastlines.
The Coast Guard Station (CGS)-Zamboanga activated its Deployable Response Group (DRG) on Tuesday, positioning personnel, rescue equipment, and operational assets for immediate deployment should the powerful cyclone threaten coastal communities or sea travelers.
Lieutenant Commander Vincent Bryan Marcos, commander of CGS-Zamboanga, said the move ensures the Coast Guard can quickly respond to search-and-rescue operations, maritime incidents, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response missions.
“The activation of the DRG is in line with the commitment of the Philippine Coast Guard to ensuring public safety and maritime security,” Marcos said.
He added that all eight Coast Guard substations covering the east and west coasts of Zamboanga City have been ordered to maintain round-the-clock monitoring of weather conditions, sea conditions, and operational readiness.
The Coast Guard is also coordinating with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the Zamboanga City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, local government units, and other response agencies to ensure timely weather advisories and coordinated emergency operations.
As of Tuesday, PAGASA said Super Typhoon Bavi was moving west-northwest at 30 kilometers per hour and was expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility late Tuesday or early Wednesday.
Even before the cyclone’s arrival, the southwest monsoon or habagat, enhanced by the approaching storm, has been bringing scattered rain showers and thunderstorms across the Zamboanga Peninsula, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Lanao del Norte, and Sultan Kudarat.
Marcos urged residents, especially fishermen and sea travelers, to closely monitor official weather bulletins, avoid unnecessary voyages during rough weather, and strictly follow the instructions of local authorities and emergency responders.
With Bavi expected to influence weather conditions across western Mindanao, Coast Guard personnel remain on heightened alert to ensure a rapid response to any maritime or coastal emergency.
