Personnel of the Rizal Police Provincial Office (Rizal PPO) conduct a disaster preparedness program ahead of Typhoon Uwan. (Photos from Rizal PPO)
Police forces and essential equipment were prepositioned in Luzon and the Visayas to ensure immediate deployment after the onslaught of super typhoon “Uwan.
Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr., acting chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said all PNP units are on heightened alert as search and rescue (SAR) teams were strategically deployed in coordination with local government units and disaster risk reduction offices.
“Aside from our local police forces that were already placed on alert, we ensured that sufficient number of personnel and resources are on standby and ready for deployment to areas that would need immediate assistance,” said Nartatez.
“We assure all our kababayan that your Philippine National Police will be there for you, ready to extend all the necessary assistance at all cost. You can bank on every policeman to help you,” he added.
More than 4,000 police personnel were deployed nationwide to support pre-disaster preparedness while an additional 8,300 Reactionary Standby Support Force (RSSF) members are on standby for immediate deployment.
A total of 187 vehicles and mobility assets have been prepositioned for rescue, relief, and evacuation operations. Local police are also monitoring 20,433 designated evacuation centers to ensure the safety and orderliness of evacuees.
Storm signal number 5 was already hoisted over some areas in Bicol Region and Quezon. Several areas in Luzon and the Visayas are now under Signal Number 3 and 3 while the rest are under lower storm signals.
Some areas in Catanduanes and other parts of Bicol region experienced flooding and storm surge.
“Uwan” is also expected to make a landfall either in Central Luzon or Northern Luzon.
Weather experts also warned that “Uwan” will bring heavy rains in Luzon and some part
Nartatez also urged the public to stay calm, vigilant, and avoid spreading unverified information online.