Acting Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. (File photo: PNP)
Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr., acting chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), ordered police commanders in areas along the path of tropical storm “Opong” amid forecast that it will continue to gain strength before a landfall in the Bicol region.
Nartatez said the order is aimed at ensuring the availability of all police resources that may be needed in responding to the response of local government units, especially in possible preemptive evacuation, and search and rescue operations.
“I already instructed all our commanders in the southern part of Luzon and the Visayas to prepare for ‘Opong’ in coordination with the local government units and other local authorities,” said Nartatez.
“Opong” is expected to make a landfall on Friday afternoon, Sept. 26, and later cross the southern part of Luzon until it exits the country on Sunday. It is expected to. Ring heavy rains and strong winds.
Weather experts said “Opong” said affected areas include northeastern Mindanao, Eastern Visayas, and Bicol region. Moderate to rough seas are expected over the coastal waters of Southern Luzon, Eastern Visayas, and northeastern Mindanao beginning Thursday.
They said gale warnings may be raised over Bicol and Eastern Visayas in anticipation of rough to very rough sea conditions, while storm surges are possible in low-lying coastal areas of Southern Luzon and Eastern Visayas.
Meanwhile, Nartatez said he directed police commanders in areas affected by super typhoon ‘Nando’ to assist in the post-disaster assessment and response in order and make all resources available to assist the communities severely affected.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said that the death toll from Nando has increased to three, with at least seven missing.
Nartatez assured that the PNP will provide assistance in the search and rescue operations for the missing individuals.