Manila, Sept. 24 -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) remains on "red alert" to continue response to areas affected by the Super Typhoon Ragasa (formerly Nando) and preparation for Severe Tropical Storm Opong.

In an interview over Radyo Pilipinas on Wednesday, PCG spokesperson Captain Noemie Cayabyab said the heightened alert status is meant to ensure that all deployable response groups (DRGs) composed of rescue swimmers and medical personnel are on standby.

"Before po pumasok yung bagyo, ay nagbigay na po ng direktiba ang Commandant natin na si Admiral [Ronnie] Gavan. Na lahat ng PCG units, particularly yung lugar na tatamaan ng bagyo, ay naka-red alert or naka-heightened alert status (Before the typhoon comes, Gavan has given a directi...