Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor ‘Jonvic’ C. Remulla on Tuesday reported that all local government units (LGUs) and civil defense units are prepared as Tropical Storm (TS) Kristine treads its path towards the Philippines.

“All units have been mobilized. All local government units have been informed. The final path is not yet determined…but no matter where it will pass, all LGUs, all civil defense units have been alerted and I think we’re prepared,” Remulla said in an earlier briefing with the Malacañang Press Corps.

He likewise credited former DILG secretary Benhur Abalos for his extensive work in establishing typhoon protocols especially in flooding and landslides saying that it helped minimize casualties in the past two years.

Remulla directed LGUs yesterday to convene their Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs) to conduct pre-disaster risk assessments; and activate barangay DRRMCs for early warning measures and vigilant monitoring of areas, among others.

Meanwhile, Remulla said his earlier announcement of class suspension is a suggestion to LGUs clarifying that the DILG does not have the power to suspend classes but only to recommend.

“I advised the LGUs to suspend classes today and tomorrow (October 22 and 23). As far as I know I am not deputized yet to cancel classes, but I gave an advisory to suspend classes already,” he said.

On his official Facebook page, Remulla posted a notice for LGUs, morning of October 22, suggesting the suspension of classes on October 22-23, 2024 due to Tropical Depression Kristine. “Ang abiso ko sa lahat ng LGU sa Luzon ay #WalangPasok ang October 22 at 23.”

In the same post, he advised the public to heed the directives of their local chief executive (LCE).