The Philippine National Police (PNP) has instructed all police units, especially in areas affected by the severe tropical storm "Paeng" to maximize the assistance to the local government units (LGUs) through the deployment of personnel and available resources for disaster response.
Police Col. Redrico Maranan, chief of the PNP-Public Information Office, said top police officials have been continuously monitoring the adverse effects of the weather disturbance and are continuously coordinating with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
"Our Chief PNP (Gen. Rodolfo Azurin, Jr) emphasized the need for coordination with the LGUs and the local DRRMOs (Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office) for strategic deployment of personnel, especially in areas where assistance is needed the most," said Maranan.
Based on the latest NDRRMC data, at least 72 people died while nine others were reported missing due to the onslaught of "Paeng'' from Luzon to Mindanao. In Maguindanao alone, at least 42 were reported dead, either due to landslides or flash floods.
In a situation update released on Saturday morning, Oct. 29, the NDRRMC said "Paeng" caused massive flooding in 194 areas in almost all regions of the country. The flooding and other effects affected more than 184,000 people, some of whom are now staying in various evacuation centers.
Based on the data of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), "Paeng" was last spotted in the vicinity of Siruma, Camarines Sur. It has maximum sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 160 kph.
The weather disturbance made its first landfall in Virac, Catanduanes at 1:10 a.m. Its second landfall was recorded in Caramoan, Camarines Sur.
Azurin also instructed regional directors in the affected areas to check and monitor the condition of dependents of their personnel in areas affected by "Paeng".
The PNP has been involved in the preparations for "Paeng" through coordination with the NDRRMC.