RAMMB/US NOAA/Himawari 9

MANILA — The Philippine Coast Guard on Thursday said it is on heightened alert in preparation for Typhoon Marce, which is expected to barrel through parts of Northern Luzon.

PCG deputy spokesperson LCDR Michael John Encina said this means that all PCG personnel are ready for disaster operations.

He said the PCG deployed response crews to areas expected to be hit hard by the typhoon.

"'Yung ating search and rescue vessel ay pinaghandaan na rin po natin. Tinitiyak po natin na 'yung mga bangkang sasakyan at iba pang kagamitan ay nasa ayos," Encina said.

He added that the PCG is coordinating with various local disaster offices for possible augmentations.

"'Yung pagtiyak po natin sa kaligtasan ng ating mga pasahero at tripulante. Tayo po ay nagre-raise ng travel advisories especially dito sa track ng bagyong Marce," the PCG official added.

For those who will be needing urgent response, Encina urged the public to reach out to the PCG District Northwestern Luzon through it hotlines 09457463430 and 09362659447.

AFP ALSO ON ALERT

For its part, the Armed Forces of the Philippines has deployed teams and prepared assets to respond to the looming impact of the typhoon.

AFP Spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the Philippine Army has mobilized a rescue team coming from different infrantry divisions.  

A specialized urban search and rescue team has also been deployed.

"'Yung iba po ay naka-standby in order to assist in relief efforts and search and rescue operations as need be," Padilla explained.

Padilla also recognized the contribution of reservists as force multipliers in its operations.

Both the PCG and AFP have deployed units for search and rescue operations and relief distribution for those affected by previous storms Kristine and Leon.

Marce nears super typhoon strength