Nartatez lauds active police response amid improved situation in quake-hit Davao Oriental
Acting Philippine National Police (PNP) Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. (File photo: PNP)
The security situation in Davao Oriental remains manageable despite the impact of the magnitude 7.4 quake that hit the province, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Sunday, Oct. 12.
Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. attributed the good security situation to the immediate and systematic deployment of policemen immediately after the tremor shook the province and nearby areas on Oct. 10.
“The situation is now under control and remains manageable. The quick response of our police personnel, in coordination with local authorities and government agencies, has helped prevent panic and maintain public order,” Nartatez said.
“Our personnel on the ground are securing the residents while supporting ongoing humanitarian and recovery operations,” he added.
The police active role includes responses relating to rescue, evacuation, and relief operations.
Nartatez earlier ordered the conduct of structural integrity inspections on all PNP facilities and according to Police Major Cirelo Solaña, Chief of the Provincial Operations Management Unit of the Davao Oriental Police Provincial Office, initial assessments showed minor structural damage in police stations and public buildings such as cathedrals, schools, bridges, and road networks.
Nartatez commended the swift action of local police who were among the first responders in affected areas, assisting in hospital evacuations, conducting rescue operations, and facilitating the safe movement of residents to higher ground following the issuance of temporary tsunami warnings.
He added that Women and Children Protection Desks (WCPD) were also activated to assist residents suffering from trauma and stress, especially those experiencing their first major earthquake.
Police hotlines have been set up in Mati City and nearby municipalities to coordinate assistance and respond to public inquiries. Additional police personnel have been deployed to Manay, where rescue operations continue for residents affected by collapsed structures.
Nartatez thanked the public for their cooperation and solidarity during the emergency as he assured that the PNP remains on full alert and continues to monitor the situation on the ground.