Manila, Philippines – The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and its attached agencies is now ready to assist commuters and residents who will be affected by the expected severe onslaught of Typhoon Uwan, once it enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) Friday evening or Saturday morning.
Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez has ordered officials of the DOTr and its attached agencies to regularly provide status and assessment reports to determine what further steps the agency needs to take for a more effective emergency response.
Lopez has also directed the Philippine Coast Guard LTO, and the LTFRB to deploy buses, trucks, and vessels to help in the swift evacuation of residents and the delivery of relief goods.
The PCG is also set to deploy additional personnel to assist the local government units (LGUs) with rescue and rehabilitation operations.
The PCG, Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), and Cebu Ports Authority (CPA) will also immediately implement a “no sail policy” in areas that will be hit by the typhoon.
The Secretary has also ordered ports and airports to provide food, drinks, and medical assistance to stranded passengers.
The toll fee is temporarily suspended for vehicles that will be used for emergency and rescue operations.
Meanwhile, the DOTr also reminded airlines that they should not charge rebooking fees or additional charges and that passengers have the right to request a full refund for their canceled flights if they so choose.