Manila, Jan. 16 -- Office of Civil Defense (OCD) administrator, Undersecretary Harold Cabreros, on Friday called on the public, especially those residing in the Eastern Visayas and Bicol Regions, to take the necessary precautions amid the heavy rains and storms brought about by the arrival of Tropical Storm Ada (international name Nokaen), the country's first tropical cyclone for this year.

"We urge the public to stay vigilant, follow the guidance of authorities, and monitor weather updates from reliable sources," Cabreros said in a statement.

He made this appeal after noting that Ada is currently affecting many parts of the country, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds.

Cabreros also said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical an...