Haze hits RP as forest fires blaze

Haze hits RP as forest fires blaze

DIGOS, Philippines (AFP): Officials here said yesterday they were taking precautionary measures as haze from forest fires raging in parts of the country and Indonesia started to blot out skies over the Philippines.

Governor Rogelio Llanos said that officials had closely coordinated operations with relief agencies to be ready for thick forest fire smoke engulfing this southern region.

Haze was reported over portions of the Balut Islands, some 300 kilometers south of here.

"Our coast guard forces in the area have been furnished with powerful (light) beams because seafarers may meet accidents if the smoke gets thick," Llanos said.