Acting PNP Chief Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. (Photo: PNP)
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Friday, Sept. 26, that it mobilized around 8,700 police personnel nationwide to assist in the evacuation and rescue operations amid the threat of Severe Tropical Storm “Opong” and for post-disaster relief operations due to Super Typhoon “Nando”.
Acting PNP Chief Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said cops helped local government units and other responders in the pre-emptive evacuation of residents in coastal communities, as well as in flood- and landslide-prone areas in the National Capital Region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, and Central Visayas among others.
“We already deployed a sufficient number of personnel and resources to assist in all the disaster response measures, including preemptive evacuation to ensure the safety of our kababayan and in securing all the evacuation centers,” he said.
Aside from evacuation assistance, police units have also been tasked to maintain order in affected communities and prevent looting in abandoned homes and establishments.
“I also directed our personnel on the ground to help ensure that all evacuation centers are safe and with sufficient food, water and other basic needs in coordination with the LGUs. We will continue to monitor the situation on the ground,” Nartatez added.
He assured the public that the PNP is ready to provide additional manpower and logistical support as needed, noting that regional and provincial offices have already placed their Search, Rescue, and Retrieval (SRR) units, medical teams, and mobility assets on standby.
Nartatez further reminded the public to heed advisories from local officials and avoid venturing out into flooded areas or crossing swollen rivers to prevent casualties.