BUTUAN CITY – The Police Regional Office (PRO)-13 has tapped 629 policemen for disaster response operations in the Caraga region.
PRO-13 chief Police Brig. Gen. Kirby John B. Kraft said 77 were deployed for disaster response and 102 are providing security and assistance in 47 evacuation centers here and Agusan del Sur where 12,803 individuals are temporarily staying.
Kraft said he has ordered lawmen to preposition disaster response personnel, equipment, and resources especially those in flood-prone areas ahead of possible heavy rainfall this week.
He said the region sustained no casualties from the bad weather.
“The absence of casualties indicates the cooperation among the PNP, local government units, and the communities despite the damages brought about by the heavy downfall of rain last week. Rest assured that PNP Caraga is on alert for possible deployment of personnel in case the need arises.”
The Department of Social Welfare and Development-13 and provincial government have stepped up response efforts by providing family food packs and other immediate needs to thousands of flood victims in Agusan del Sur.
The DSWD-13 said 15,284 FFPs have been sent to severely affected towns in the province – 9,744 FFPs in Bunawan, 3,310 in Veruela, 1,610 in Santa Josefa, and 620 in San Luis.
“Our relief effort is still on going in flooded areas in Agusan del Sur and neighboring areas,” DSWD-13 Regional Information Office chief Marko Davey Reyes said.
Humanitarian relief operations of Philsaga Mining Corp. (PMC) led by president Raul C. Villanueva are ongoing in flooded towns in Agusan del Sur, particularly in the second district.
Twelve towns and 110 barangays in Agusan del Sur were affected by floods, particularly in river towns.
Damaged municipal and barangay roads were reported in some areas.
Classes on all levels were suspended in affected towns.
Agusan del Sur was placed under a state of calamity as a result and Agusan del Sur solon Rep. Adolph Edward “Eddiebong” Plaza and Gov. Santiago Cane have mobilized their disaster teams to assist flood victims.