The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and its attached agencies have initiated full-scale operational readiness following a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure the safety of commuters and residents ahead of Severe Storm Uwan, which is forecast to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) late Friday or Saturday morning.
Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez ordered the immediate mobilization of all personnel and assets, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to mitigating the stormβs effects and providing immediate aid.
βWe are mobilizing immediately, prioritizing the safety of every Filipino. The Presidentβs instruction is clear: we must be prepared before the storm hits, taking care of stranded passengers, mitigating severe effects, and ensuring a swift emergency response,β Acting Secretary Lopez stated.
The Acting Secretary has directed key agencies to implement critical measures focusing on rapid evacuation, relief delivery, and infrastructure protection:
Emergency Deployment: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Land Transportation Office (LTO), and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) have been directed to deploy buses, trucks, and vessels to assist in the rapid evacuation of residents and the timely delivery of relief goods. The PCG is also deploying sufficient personnel to assist local governments with rescue and rehabilitation operations.
No Sail Policy: Aviation and maritime agencies, including the PCG, Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), and Cebu Ports Authority (CPA), will immediately implement a no sail policy in all maritime areas affected by the typhoon to prevent sea-related incidents.
Toll Suspension: The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) has been ordered to temporarily suspend the collection of tolls for all vehicles actively engaged in emergency and rescue operations.
In preparation for flight and sea travel disruptions, the DOTr has tasked airport and maritime authoritiesβincluding the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), and Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA)βto provide food, drinks, and essential medical assistance to all stranded passengers.
Furthermore, the DOTr has reinforced its reminder to all airlines: no rebooking fees or additional charges should be imposed on affected passengers. Travelers retain the right to request a full refund for canceled flights should they opt not to rebook.
The DOTr assures the public that it will maintain the security and integrity of all transport infrastructure, including airports, seaports, and railways, to facilitate safe passage once the weather permits.
