The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has instructed telecommunications companies to ensure that there is enough personnel in the areas to be hit by Typhoon Bising to respond immediately at the time of a communication crash.
In a memorandum order issued by NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordova, generators with extra fuel, tools, and spare equipment are also being prepared for telcos.
Telcos were also instructed to expedite the repair and restoration of telecom services in the areas that will be affected by the typhoon.
Cordova said telcos should be able to submit status updates every six hours during their restoration activities. Free Call and Free Charging Stations also place telcos in areas that will lose connection.
NTC reminds telcos to contact LGUs and make sure health protocols are followed in relation to the pandemic.
At 4:00 AM today, the center of the eye of Typhoon Bising was located based on all available data at 250 km East Northeast of Virac, Catanduanes.
It is moving North Northwestward at 10 km/h Maximum sustained winds of 195 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 240 km/h.
NTC asks telcos to prepare for Typhoon Bising
Today, moderate to heavy with at times intense rains will be experienced over Bicol Region, Northern Samar, Samar, Eastern Samar, Biliran, and Leyte.
Tomorrow (20 April), moderate to heavy rains will be experienced over Bicol Region and Northern Samar.
Under these conditions and considering the antecedent rainfall over the aforementioned areas, flooding (including flashfloods) and rain-induced landslides are increasingly likely to occur especially in areas identified in hazard maps as highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards.
Meanwhile, in Tacloban City, some residents have fled after the city experienced heavy rains and strong winds.
Due to Typhoon Bising, large parts of Tacloban also lost power supply.
In Northern Samar, Governor Edwin Ongchuan ordered the evacuation of families living in coastal areas due to the possible impact of the typhoon.
According to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, the Palace continues to monitor those affected by Typhoon Bising.
The Office of Civil Defense and Armed Forces of the Philippines is said to be ready for any operation. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) also has standby funds and food packs ready.