BICOL police gear up for 'Opong.' (PRO-5 FB)
LEGAZPI CITY – The Police Regional Office-5 on Thursday placed all police units in the Bicol region on heightened alert as severe tropical storm "Opong" (international name "Bualoi") continues to intensify and is expected to make landfall in the region by Friday.
PRO-5 Director Police Brig. Gen. Nestor Babagay Jr. ordered units to assist in preemptive evacuations, particularly in low-lying, coastal, and flood-prone communities.
About 367 personnel from the Reactionary Standby Support Force are deployed and ready.
Search, rescue, and retrieval teams have been tapped to provide aid in areas that may be affected by the storm.
Babagay urged the public to remain vigilant and prioritize safety by heeding the advice of local officials. (PNA)