MANILA, Philippines—Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla urged all local government units (LGUs) to remain on high alert as bad weather conditions brought by the enhanced Southwest Monsoon, Tropical Depression ‘Dante,’ and a low pressure area are expected to persist until early next week.

“Hanggang Lunes pa po masama ang panahon. May paparating pa tayong bagyo,” Remulla said in an interview.

He said the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has already reminded LGUs of their responsibilities, particularly in conducting preemptive evacuations and ensuring risk communication in hazard-prone areas. The agency is closely monitoring the situation in western provinces, especially from Negros Island to Ilocos Sur.

Remulla said the Office of Civil Defense, as the implementing arm of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, is in close coordination with LGUs. He added that the Emergency 911 hotline is fully operational and ready to respond to urgent concerns from affected areas.

The DILG chief also addressed criticisms about his informal tone on social media, clarifying that his approach is meant to ease fear while keeping the public informed.

“Hindi ko po minamaliit ang pinaghihirapan ng mga frontliners natin. Ang ginagawa ko lang ay gawing mas magaan ang paraan ng pagpapaalala—hindi puro pangamba. Kung may hindi nakaintindi, humihingi ako ng pasensya. Pero wala po akong masamang intensyon,” Remulla said.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. backed Remulla’s communication style, saying it helps counter misinformation online.

“Criticize me, criticize him for the way we speak. But that’s the way he speaks. As long as he gets the message across. That’s what it’s for,” the President said.