PNP checks on police facilities, personnel after 'Basyang' onslaught in Visayas, Mindanao
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has started conducting a comprehensive assessment of affected police infrastructure and the personnel following the onslaught of Tropical Cyclone “Basyang”.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said unit commanders in the affected areas in the Visayas and Mindanao were directed to report the status of their respective stations and the condition of uniformed and non-uniformed personnel in order for the National Headquarters to immediately extend the necessary assistance.
“We have to check on the condition of our facilities and all our personnel in the affected areas for us to immediately extend the necessary assistance. This will ensure effective supervision of post-disaster relief and rehabilitation operations,” said Nartatez.
Based on the initial assessment, communication lines and supply chains continue to be operational in the affected police regional offices.
Earlier, Nartatez tasked all police commanders in the Visatas and Mindanao to mobilize personnel and resources to assist in in disaster response, especially in preemptive evacuation of residents in coastal areas, and flood and landslide-prone areas.
The order also includes providing assistance in search, rescue, and relief operations to provide immediate support to residents in affected areas.
Nartatez noted that police resources are being used for the swift delivery of relief items to those in need. He specifically highlighted the situation of residents staying in evacuation centers.
“We are making sure that we continue to assist the local government units in the conduct of disaster response and in responding to the needs of the affected residents,” said Nartate,
The Office of Civil Defense reported at least 12 fatalities due to the cyclone. Iligan City was also placed under a state of calamity last Friday following Basyang’s onslaught.
“Basyang” made landfall over Bayabas, Surigao del Sur on Thursday evening, and brought heavy rains over Agusan del Norte, the Bohol Sea, and Bohol, where it made another landfall as a tropical depression.