The Philippine National Police (PNP) has started mobilizing standby manpower and resources to reinforce its personnel who were tasked to help local authorities ensure the safety of residents amid the ongoing onslaught of typhoon “Tino”, particularly in the Visayas and some parts of Luzon and Mindanao.

“Tino” already made two landfalls, in Leyte and in Cebu, and signal number 4 were raised in several areas in the Visayas. The Office of Civil Defense already reported one dead while thousands were displaced along the typhoon’s path.

As policemen in the affected areas may have limitations due to the impact of the typhoon, Nartatez emphasized the need for immediate deployment and reinforcement by standby forces to ensure that affected communities receive swift aid and security.

“I have directed police regional offices to be on standby in case there is a need for additional reinforcements in areas that will be severely hit and affected by Typhoon Tino. This includes deployment of additional assets in areas that would be affected by the typhoon,” said Nartatez.

The onslaught of “Tino” came just when millions of people returned to their workplaces in urban areas following the observance of the All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days. 

Nartatez said they immediately started preparing for “Tino” as soon as experts warned of the weather disturbance.

He said the alert starus for ‘Undas” was extended and immediately shifted to disaster response to ensure public safety and guarantee a swift and coordinated government response to any weather-related incidents.

“The extended deployment ensures that the successful security coverage for the holiday does not create any gaps in readiness for the approaching weather disturbance,” said Nartatez.

“Our focus now is the smooth transition of our units on the ground, from Undas security coverage to storm response readiness,” he added.

For its part, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) advised all bus companies and operators of public utility vehicles to implement safety measures amid the threat of “Tino”.

LTFRB chairman Vigor D. Mendoza II said travel advisories were already issued to ensure the safety of motorists and commuters.

“We are discouraging non-essential travels in southern parts of Luzon and some parts of the Visayas as part of the safety measures for the commuters and motorists. We urge bus and other PUV (public utility vehicle) operators, as well as motorists, to heed the travel advisories in relation to this weather disturbance,” said Mendoza. 

Mendoza said the issuance of travel advisory was intended not only to protect commuters and motorists but also prevent a scenario of people being stranded in various areas due to the weather condition.

He also urged motorists and the public to be always updated on the weather condition in order to plan all travels.