Policemen tapped to help secure residents after Kanlaon ash emission
KANLAON
Police forces in Negros Island were instructed to assist local government units in ensuring the strict implementation of the four- kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) around Kanlaon Volcano following its recent ash emission.
Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said he already instructed the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) to closely coordinate with local authorities the timely information dissemination, orderly evacuation, and effective enforcement of safety measures.
“The safety of our people is our top priority. We have directed our police units to assist in evacuation, manage traffic in affected areas, and ensure strict compliance with the no-entry policy within the 4-kilometer danger zone. The public is also reminded to stay calm, follow official advisories, and avoid spreading misinformation,” said Nartatez.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised Alert Level 2 status for Kanlaon Volcano, which means that a sudden phreatic eruption (steam-driven) or magmatic eruption (caused by rising magma) remains possible.
A total of 135 police personnel were already deployed in critical areas around Kanlaon Volcano after its 30-minute ash emission on October 12.
The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office stationed in La Castellana municipality mobilized 90 personnel while the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office in Canlaon City deployed 45 personnel following reported ash fall incidents.
There were 23 reserve personnel on standby from the PRO-NIR’s support force ready for deployment.
Policemen also assisted in the distribution of face masks to residents to help them protect themselves from the ash fall, and urged them to avoid going outdoors for safety reasons.
Some personnel were also tasked to secure border controls, and manage evacuation centers to prevent gender-based violence .
As of October 13, there were 77 families comprised of 273 individuals taking temporary shelter in six evacuation centers in Negros Island.
“The PNP stands in solidarity with our disaster response partners to safeguard lives and ensure that communities around Kanlaon Volcano remain secure. Our men and women are on standby to respond at any moment to protect the public,” Nartatez said.