Manila, Oct. 19 -- Philippine National Police (PNP) acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Sunday instructed all commanders to be on alert in areas affected by Tropical Storm Ramil, which was over the West Philippine Sea as of posting time.

The center of Ramil was estimated based on all available data 85 kilometers west northwest of Iba, Zambales as of 5 p.m.

"Sufficient number of personnel and resources were deployed and placed on standby," Nartatez said in a statement.

Nartatez also directed police commanders to maintain open lines of communication.

"This is not something new to us. This year for instance, we have already responded to stronger typhoons and your PNP were able to deliver in terms of ensuring the safety an...