MTSAT ENHANCED-IR Satellite Image 6:32 a.m., 19 February 2013

COTABATO CITY, Philippines - Disaster response officials in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) are bracing up for the effects of tropical storm Crising in the region, calling on all residents to be on alert to achieve zero casualties.

Retired Army General Loreto Rirao, execrative director of Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, said Tuesday, February 19, he already advised all concerned officials in the provinces of Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur to implement force evacuation whenever situation warrants ensuring the safety of the people.

"All people leaving near the mountain slopes and in low lying areas to be alert for possible flash floods and undertake precautionary measures," Rirao said.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has placed 18 provinces under Signal No. 1 as the storm will make a land fall anytime.

On December last year, more than one thousand people have died as typhoon Pablo (Bopha) hit the southern Philippines. - Rappler.com