Police rescued more than 6,600 people in the conduct of search and rescue operations before and during the onslaught of typhoon “Opong”.

As early as the disaster response planning stage, acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. said police forces in the Bicol region and other areas along the path of “Opong” were actively assisting the local government unit in securing residents in coastal areas and other danger zones.

Around 7,000 policemen were tapped to conduct disaster responses that include restoration of critical lifelines like roads, electricity, and communication lines.

An additional 11,000 Reserve Support Service Force (RSSF) personnel are also on standby for augmentation while police maritime and air assets were readied in case there is a need to reach isolated barangays and sustain the flow of aid to areas cut off by floods and landslides.

“I commend our police frontliners for their hard work, dedication and sacrifices in the name of public service. From the disaster planning to actual disaster response, your PNP committed to extend all the assistance that we could provide to ensure public safety, we were able to deliver,” said Nartatez in a statement.

From Tropical Depression “Mirasol” and super typhoon “Nando” to typhoon “Opong”, Nartatez said PNP personnel were able to show again the dedication and sacrifices beyond their mandate of serving and protecting the

“But the task is not yet over. Our personnel will remain in the frontline to assist our kababayan and rebuild their communities,” he added.

“PNP units are actively engaged in search and rescue missions, road clearing, medical assistance, and the distribution of relief goods to affected families. Our personnel are also assisting in the evacuation of residents from high-risk areas and ensuring that lifelines such as roads and access points are kept open for humanitarian aid,” Nartatez said.

Currently, Nartatez said his men are also focused on maintaining peace and order in 32,265 evacuation centers where around 600,000 displaced individuals are staying.

The policemen were directed to prevent incidents of looting and other crimes, and work with local officials to ensure fair and orderly distribution of assistance.

To sustain these efforts, the PNP has prepositioned reserve forces, fuel, food packs, and medical supplies while implementing relief rotations for deployed personnel to prevent fatigue.

“More than law enforcement, our duty is to stand with the Filipino people in times of crisis. We are committed not only to saving lives during emergencies but also to helping communities rebuild and recover. Together, we will rise stronger after these storms,” Nartatez said.