Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant, CG Admiral Leopoldo V Laroya has directed District, Station, and Sub-Station Commanders in areas that will be directly affected by Typhoon Odette to prepare for evacuations, rescue operations, and relief missions, in coordination with local government units.

CG Admiral Laroya specifically instructed Coast Guard units in the Caraga and Western Visayas regions to immediately activate their deployable response groups (DRGs) and quick response teams (QRTs), and inspect available search and rescue (SAR) assets and equipment as the severe tropical storm is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) today, 14 December 2021.

“Let us monitor closely and coordinate proactively to ensure the safety of lives so we could all celebrate Christmas with our families and loved ones,” CG Admiral Laroya said in an alert message sent to concerned Coast Guard officers.

In compliance with the said directive, all PCG vessels that are 'ready for sail' are tasked to take shelter today. Station and Sub-station Commanders in the affected areas are now preparing for the issuance of appropriate maritime safety advisories to fishermen, ship crew, and other maritime stakeholders within the day.

Meanwhile, PCG units in areas that will not be directly affected by Typhoon Odette are tasked to work with the PCG Auxiliary in repacking food, medical supplies, hygiene kits, and other relief packages to ensure the swift provision of humanitarian assistance to communities that will be affected by the severe tropical storm.

“We all know the drill. I am confident that our men and women will be able to serve our fellow kababayans with patriotism, compassion, and fear of God. Let us all pray for the safety of our first responders so they could serve those who are in need,” the Coast Guard Commandant furthered.