MANILA, Philippines – Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino ordered billboard owners on Saturday, June 29, to roll down their billboard ads in anticipation of Tropical Storm Gorio.

In its 11 am update, weather bureau PAGASA raised storm signal no. 1 over Metro Manila and 24 other areas in Luzon and Visayas.

Gorio is now in the vicinity of Catbalogan, Samar, with a sustained movement of 19 kph northwest. 

Tolentino reminded billboard owners not to wait for rain to fall before taking down their billboard ads, DZMM reported.

Within 24 hours

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) added that the ads must be taken down within the next 24 hours, or before Gorio hits Metro Manila on Sunday afternoon. 

Rain with gusty winds over Metro Manila is expected to last until Monday, July 1. 

More landfalls with moderate to heavy rains are expected, specifically in Burias Island and Southern Quezon, as Gorio moves northwest before exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Monday.

NDRRMC said there are over 5,400 stranded passengers as the Philippine Coast Guard suspended operations of light seacraft in Matnog, Maasin, Catbalogan, Surigao, and Butuan.

The agency is now on blue alert as it targets zero casualty. – Rappler.com

Billboard image from Shutterstock