The Philippine Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog (CGDSTL) has raised its alert status due to a low-pressure area that may develop into a tropical depression within 48 hours.

The weather system, located 1,460 km east of southeastern Luzon, is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility by October 20 or 21, according to the state weather bureau PAGASA.

Commodore Geronimo Tuvilla, CGDSTL commander, ordered all units to prepare for possible emergency operations.

Coast Guard assets are on standby for search and rescue missions.

Authorities are advising vessels to seek shelter and urging fishing boats to stay ashore.

Coast Guard personnel are deploying to coastal communities to issue warnings.

CGDSTL is coordinating with local disaster management offices for potential rescue efforts.

A no-sail policy will be enforced in affected areas.

“The safety of lives at sea and along the coast is our paramount concern,” the Coast Guard said in a statement.

Residents in coastal regions are advised to stay vigilant and follow local authority guidelines.