Almost 20,000 policemen and personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) were deployed in evacuation centers to secure the displaced residents and provide security and assistance n the regions ravaged by Super Typhoon "Karding".
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Sec. Benjamin ‘Benhur’ Abalos, Jr. said the 8,642 policemen and 11,619 BFP are now stationed in various parts of Luzon, particularly in areas severely affected by the weather disturbance.
Of the more than 8,000 police personnel deployed in the affected regions, Abalos said 3,030 are in the evacuation centers, vacated places and affected areas, while 5,612 are in vital installations such as public markets, gas stations, terminals, warehouses, relief operation centers and other public convergence areas.
Abalos stated that 1,270 police personnel were deployed in Metro Manila; 904 in Ilocos Region; 987 in Cagayan Valley Region; 1,551 in Central Luzon; 1,546 in Region 4-A; 1,727 in Region 4-B; 486 in Region 5; and 171 in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
He also noted that that 1,591 BFP firefighters and personnel are in Ilocos Region; 1,170 in Cagayan Valley Region; 1,840 in Central Luzon; 1,223 in Region 4-A; 241 in Region 4-B; 1,361 in Bicol Region; 1,829 in Western Visayas; 1,650 in Metro Manila and 704 in CAR.
Aside from the BFP men, Abalos said that 1,596 fire trucks, 103 ambulances, 22 rescue trucks and seven rescue boats are also at disposal of the affected regions ‘if the need arises.’
Local execs must be on guard
Abalos reminded all concerned local chief executives (LCEs) to stand their ground and be physically present, especially in affected areas and communities most susceptible to disasters, before, during, and after the weather disturbance.
“It’s crucial that leaders are looking after their constituents in circumstances such as super typhoons. LCEs dapat ang nangunguna sa paghahanda sa anumang sakuna at pagtugon sa pangangailangan ng kanilang nasasakupan (the LCEs should take the lead in preparing for any possible disaster and be able to respond to the needs of their constituents),’’ Abalos said.
In case the LCEs are absent in their stations for ‘valid reasons’, Abalos stressed that officers-in-charge (OIC) should be designated who can ably take charge amidst the ongoing weather situation.
With President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. suspending work and classes in the affected areas, Abalos told the LGUs not covered by the President’s directive but are experiencing localized weather disturbances that the “suspension of work and classes shall be subjected to the discretion of the LCE.” (Chito A. Chavez)