Bicol Express.net

Tropical Storm ‘Opong’ to hit Bicol on Friday – Pagasa

“Opong” has intensified into a tropical storm and may make landfall in Bicol on Friday, Sept. 26, in the afternoon, according to the weather bureau,

Authorities warned of heavy rains, strong winds, landslides, flooding, and possible storm surges in affected areas.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the storm was packing sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hourph and gusts of up to 80 kph when tracked west-northwest over the Philippine Sea.

It was moving west-southwest at 20 kph toward Bicol and may cross southern Luzon on Saturday morning.

Camarines Sur has already raised a red alert status to prepare for the storm’s impact.

The public is urged to stay alert and monitor official advisories as the storm’s forecast may still change.

via Antonette Alzaga

Source: DOST-PAGASA

Youths call for transparency in government projects in Daet rally

DAET, Camarines Norte – A united cry against corruption in flood control projects echoed in front of the country’s first Rizal Monument on J. Lukban Street here on Sunday afternoon amid nationwide rage against anomalous public works involving some politicians, contractors and officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

The protesters, mostly students, also recalled the lessons of martial law declared that day in 1972 as they denounced the ways of the corrupt in government.

They called for transparency and accountability. They were led by the Youth Against Korapsyon (YAK)-Camarines Norte.

𝘷𝘪𝘢 𝘉𝘌 𝘋𝘢𝘦𝘵
photos courtesy of 𝘉𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩-𝘊𝘕𝘚𝘊

Progressive groups in Naga City mark martial law anniversary, demand accountability
NAGA CITY — Progressive groups assembled at Plaza Rizal here on Sunday, Sept. 21, to commemorate the anniversary of martial Law, denounce corruption, and call for greater accountability in government, particularly on flood control projects.

The daylong initiative ran from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. In the afternoon, leaders of the Litratistang Bikolnon, Camarines Sur Medical Cannabis, Nungka, and other civil society groups condemned some government officials involved in the projects, whom they called “crocodiles,” and called on them to be transparent in their service and answer for the reported misuse of public funds.

Despite the rain, the assembly ended with a song that called for change and urged citizens to take action.

𝘷𝘪𝘢 𝘈𝘯𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦 𝘈𝘭𝘻𝘢𝘨𝘢

Albay students march against corruption

LEGAZPI CITY – Students and progressive individuals in Albay province joined the nationwide rage over corruption in government public works projects by holding their protest rally on Sunday, Sept. 21, in this capital city.

The protesters, led by BUeños Kontra Korapsyon, the Albay Movement Against Corruption, and Kabataan party-list in Bicol, wore black to symbolize mourning and defiance against the misuse of public funds, particularly in flood control projects and reportedly involving some senators and congressmen, officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways and private contractors.

After a Mass at the Redemptorist Church, the protesters proceeded to hold the “Walk Against Corruption,.” They called for justice and accountability for the anomalous infrastructure projects.

The march culminated at the Kalayaan Park and Ayala Monument where cultural performances were held to call on communities to get involved in the clamor for good governance and in remembering the lessons of martial law during its 53rd anniversary.

𝘷𝘪𝘢 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘦𝘭 𝘙𝘰𝘴

As of 5:18 p.m. today, July 22, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) reported that the San Francisco River in Polangui town, Albay, has reached a critical (orange) level.

The MDRRMO is also monitoring alarming rises in water levels in other rivers across Polangui's low-lying areas within the Bicol River basin.

Residents blamed the failing drainage system, which they say makes the town highly susceptible to recurrent flooding.—BicolExpress.net

📸 Photo from MDRRMO-Polangui’s page

Palace suspends work, classes in Bicol provinces due to heavy monsoon rains

The Office of the President declared nationwide work and class suspensions today, July 22, as intense rainfall, amplified by the southwest monsoon, triggers extensive flooding across the Philippines.

In Bicol, provinces such as Masbate, Sorsogon, Albay, Camarines Sur, and Catanduanes were covered by the directive, while Camarines Norte retains local discretion for suspensions.

For a complete list of affected areas, refer to the Office of the President's Memorandum Circular No. 90 below. —John Reniel Martus/ bicolexpress.net

Fire damages house in Albay town despite downpour

LEGAZPI CITY -- A fire broke out in San Vicente, Libon town in Albay, today, July 19, amid torrential rains, causing heavy damage to a house and a store.

The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said the fire was reported at 11:30 a.m. and that the Bureau of Fire Protection immediately sent firefighters to the neighborhood several minutes later. — Bicol Express.net

📸: Local Government Unit of Libon, screengrab from Pobreng Bicolana Vlog’s live

Rains, flooding still expected in Bicol as 'Crising' heads for northern Luzon

PILI, CAMARINES SUR—Tropical Storm “Crising” left several towns in Bicol submerged in floodwater on July 17, prompting the suspension of work and sea travel, as well as classes.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) lifted Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 in the entire region in its 8 a.m. bulletin on July 18.

Despite the weather bureau’s action, classes in several towns of Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, and Catanduanes remained suspended on July 18, due to the risk of localized flooding from heavy rains.

In Balatan, Camarines Sur, the continuous rains caused its river to overflow, rendering roads near a spillway impassable to all types of vehicles.

According to Pagasa, Crising intensified with maximum sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 90 kph. As of its latest update, it was located 195 km east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, moving west-northwest at 25 kph.

By July 19, the weather disturbance was forecast to reach Severe Tropical Storm category, making landfall in Cagayan or the Babuyan Islands in the afternoon or evening on its way out of the country’s area of responsibility. — Bicol Express.net

📸: Sheena Barrameda/Balatan MDRRMO