Manila, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) – As the Philippines braced itself for Typhoon Ruby, the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) declared several areas of the capital as “no man’s land.”

As many as 10 districts (barangays)  and two major thoroughfares — Roxas and Espana Boulevards — were expected to experience severe storm surges and flooding. Declaring “no man’s land” means that people are forbidden to visit or stay in those areas for safety reasons.

The MDRRMO is tasked with notifying the public about potential danger and high-risk situations.

Last week, the MDRRMO declared both the Philippine Senate and House of Representatives as “no man’s land,” citing the fact that visiting the Congress buildings would pose a great danger to the taxpaying public.  An MDRRMO spokesperson said that crocodiles abound in both houses and that the public should stay away and refrain from being in contact with the legislators.

MDRRMO is reportedly also considering declaring the Malacanang (presidential palace) and the headquarters of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines as “no man’s land.”