Manila, July 17 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed concerned government agencies to be on alert, as Tropical Depression Crising maintained its strength and is forecast to bring heavy rains in several areas in northern Luzon, Malacanang said on Thursday.

"Meron pong mga direktiba ang ating Pangulo sa mga concerned agencies (our President has issued directives to the concerned agencies)," Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing, when asked about government preparations for Crising.

"At patuloy pa rin ang pag-monitor at pagbibigay ng advisories sa mga stakeholders sa ating mga kababayan (And we will continue to monitor and provide advisories to stakeholders in our country)."

Castro said the National Dis...