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Gov’t work, classes in Metro Manila suspended due to ‘Tisoy’

By Azer Parrocha

December 3, 2019, 12:25 pm

MANILA -- Malacañang suspended work in government offices and classes in all levels in Metro Manila from 12 noon Tuesday onwards due to Typhoon Tisoy (international name Kammuri).

Memorandum Circular No. 73, signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, suspended work in the Executive Branch upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

However, agencies whose functions involve the delivery of basic and health services, preparedness/response to disasters and calamities and/or the performance of other vital services will continue with their operations and render the necessary services.

WALANG PASOK. Malacañang has issued a memorandum suspending work in government offices and classes in all levels in Metro Manila effective noon Tuesday due to Typhoon Tisoy. Suspension of work in private firms is left to the discretion of the management. 

The suspension of work for private companies and offices is left to the discretion of their respective heads, it added.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo also confirmed that work in the Executive Department has also been suspended.

“Government work is suspended starting at 12 noon today (Tuesday),” Panelo said in a message to reporters.

Earlier, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar suspended work in his office effective 10 a.m. Tuesday.

Andanar suspended work in PCOO given the declaration of Manila City suspending local government work.

However, offices that are directly involved in the PCOO’s Public Service Continuity Plan will maintain operations of their respective offices through skeletal workforce.

PCOO is composed of the following attached agencies: Radio Television Malacañang, People's Television Network, Inc., Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation, Philippine Information Agency, National Printing Office, Bureau of Broadcast Services, Bureau of Communication Services, National Printing Office, APO Production Unit, Inc., and the News and Information Bureau-Philippine News Agency.

Other agencies that have suspended work due to the typhoon are the Civil Service Commission, Metro Manila courts, and the House of Representatives.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Tisoy made landfall early Tuesday morning in Sorsogon, and is moving west at a speed of 25 kilometers per hour (kph).

The typhoon slightly weakened after hitting land and is now heading Batangas-northern Oriental Mindoro area.

It is now packing maximum sustained winds of up to 150 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 205 kph.

As of 11 a.m., the latest forecast said Tisoy’s eye was last seen in the vicinity of east of Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.

PAGASA advised affected residents to take appropriate actions, coordinate with local disaster risk reduction and management offices, and continue monitoring for updates. (PNA)

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