Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), ordered on Thursday, Sept. 9, all police commanders in the northern part of Luzon to prepare for the possible onslaught of typhoon “Kiko”.
This as weather experts warned that “Kiko” is expected to bring more rains in various areas in northern part of Luzon starting on Friday.
At the same time, Eleazar ordered police commanders in areas affected by typhoon “Jolina” to prepare the list of the PNP personnel who were affected by the weather disturbance in order for them to be provided with the necessary assistance.
“I also expect the submission of damage assessment report in police stations and other PNP infrastructure so that we could find ways to immediately renovate them,” said Eleazar.
Eleazar said policemen assigned in areas affected by “Jolina” were instructed to coordinate with their respective Local Government Units (LGUs) for assistance to the affected residents.
Thousands of residents in Eastern Visayas, Bicol Region, CALABARZON and other areas were forced to flee their homes as a result of the heavy flooding brought by ‘Jolina’.
He added that the same instruction was given to areas that would be affected by “Kiko”, saying that police commanders were advised to coordinate with LGUs in order to determine the form of assistance that could be provided by the local PNP forces.
This as the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said there is moderate to high likelihood that tropical cyclone wind signals would be raised over several provinces in Northern Luzon, with higher wind signal levels possible over extreme Northern Luzon due to ‘Kiko’.
Police assets that include trucks and other vehicles are also expected to be placed on standby for preemptive evacuation, along with enough number of policemen to assist the local officials.
Eleazar also urged the public to remain vigilant and follow the instructions of local officials in preparation for this typhoon.