Swift deployment of cops in quake-hit Cebu, Davao Or eases public fear; Nartatez lauds cops
photos: PNP
Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr., acting chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), lauded the thousands of policemen who immediately responded and continuously attend to the needs of those affected by magnitude 6.9 earthquake that jolted Cebu on Sept, 30 and the magnitude 7.4 tremor that shook Davao Oriental on Oct. 10.
Nartatez said the deployment of policemen immediately after the quakes brought assurance to the affected residents that the national government is in control of the situation amid the devastation.
“The visible presence of our police officers on the ground has been crucial in assuring the public that the government is in full control. The PNP immediately responded to protect lives, maintain peace and order, and support local disaster response operations,” Nartatez said.
“The readiness and unity shown by our police in Mindanao clearly reflect the direction we want to take as an organization,” he added.
Nartatez said the PNP’s presence in disaster-hit areas has helped calm public fears and restore order amid the back-to-back tremors in Davao Oriental and Surigao del Sur, and the heightened activity of Bulusan and Kanlaon Volcanoes.
In Davao Region, the Police Regional Office 11 (PRO-11) was placed on red alert status following the magnitude 7.4 and 6.8 doublet earthquakes that struck off Manay, Davao Oriental on October 10.
In Caraga Region, the Police Regional Office 13 (PRO-13) conducted on-site inspections and provided assistance in assessing the damage caused by the 6.0-magnitude earthquake in Cagwait, Surigao del Sur on the evening of October 11.
Elsewhere, police stations in Bicol and Negros have been placed on heightened alert due to the increasing unrest of Bulusan and Kanlaon Volcanoes. Police personnel from Police Regional Office 5 (PRO-5) and Negros Island Region Police Regional Office (PRO-NIR) were prepositioned to assist in potential evacuations and to prevent panic in nearby communities.
“The PNP is fully prepared to respond to multiple disaster incidents. We have standing contingency plans and disaster response protocols through our disaster response teams,” Nartatez said.
“We assure the public that the PNP remains proactive and ready to extend all necessary support to ensure safety and security in every affected community,” he added.