The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) urged identified high-risk local government units (LGUs) in flood and landslide-prone barangays on Thursday to implement disaster preparedness measures as Tropical Storm (TS) “Basyang” accelerates and moves closer towards the east of Mindanao.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), TS Basyang is estimated to be at 195 km East of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur (as of 3:00 PM, Feb. 5, 2026) and is expected to make landfall over parts of Mindanao on Friday dawn, traverse portions of the Visayas, and pass near or over Palawan over the next few days.

In its latest guidance, the DILG called on LGUs to monitor the rapid increase of floodwater in active river systems of identified flood-prone barangays; enforce pre-emptive/mandatory evacuation protocols for barangays situated at the foot of gullies or creeks or in areas demonstrating active slope movement; and alert residents living near streams to be vigilant against rain-induced landslides.

The DILG also encouraged Punong Barangays to activate barangay-level preparedness mechanisms in accordance with the “L!STO si KaP” guide and carry out critical readiness actions in close coordination with their respective City or Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO).

According to the DILG, Provincial and City/Municipal local governments may temporarily close roads to all forms of vehicles until affected barangays are deemed safe.

In response to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s call for disaster-resilient communities, the DILG continuously urged concerned LGUs in Mindanao to immediately convene their respective Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs) and undertake their Pre-Disaster Risk Assessments (PDRA).