POLICE continue round-the-clock monitoring and assistance operations following Kanlaon Volcano’s recent eruption. (PRO-NIR)
BACOLOD CITY – The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) has ordered all concerned units to heighten readiness, following the minor explosive eruption of Kanlaon Volcano on Friday night, Oct. 24.
Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, directed them to ensure the availability of patrol vehicles, fuel, first aid kits, masks, and other search and rescue (SAR) equipment.
He stressed that SAR teams must be prepared for possible deployment in coordination with the local government units (LGUs) and local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (DRRMCs).
“Our personnel are ready to respond wherever assistance is needed,” Ibay said.
Ibay also directed all units to account their personnel and ensure their safety and that of their families.
He said that the safety of police personnel and the public remains the top priority. He assured that the entire regional police force is on full alert and ready to assist in evacuation, traffic management, and disaster response operations in coordination with other government agencies.
Field commanders were tasked to check the structural integrity of affected stations and the operational readiness of vehicles, power supply, and communication equipment.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and working hand in hand with local DRRMCs to ensure the safety and security of our communities,” Ibay said.
As of Sunday, Oct. 26, the PRO-NIR continues round-the-clock monitoring and assistance operations following Kanlaon’s recent ash emission and increased unrest.
Police sustain a constant and strategic deployment of police personnel in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, and Canlaon City, Negros Oriental to assist displaced families, maintain peace and order, border control, and ensure the protection of evacuees, particularly against gender-based violence.
The volcano remains under Alert Level 2. After the Oct. 24 eruption, series of ash emission followed over the weekend.
Residents were advised to remain vigilant, stay indoors, and use masks or damp cloths to avoid inhaling ash particles.