Police forces were ordered to prepare disaster response protocol as weather experts warned of the possible adverse effects of super typhoon Bavi.

Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said they are in constant coordination with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) identify areas that would likely be affected by the super typhoon in order for the local police forces to assist the local government units in implementing measures to ensure the protection of local residents.

“The goal will always be zero casualty. Our disaster response protocol will immediately be in place to ensure the safety and welfare of everybody, especially those living in coastal and low-lying areas,” said Nartatez.

The tropical cyclone is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Wednesday morning while maintaining its super typhoon strength. Once inside the PAR, it will be given the local name “Inday.”

The cyclone is expected to continue moving west-northwestward and remains less likely to make landfall over the Philippine landmass but its large circulation could prompt the raising of tropical cyclone wind signals over the northern and eastern portions of Northern Luzon as early as Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning.

Nartatez said part of the disaster protocol is the pre-positioning of emergency response teams and police assets in areas that may be affected by the weather disturbance.

The coordination with the local government units also includes identification of areas prone to flash flood and landslide, as well as coastal communities that are in danger of the effects of storm surge.

“Our personnel are keeping an open communication line with the LGUs, especially on the matter of preemptive evacuation, search and rescue, and other necessary response,” said Nartatez.

He said the coordination also extends to identifying the safety evacuation centers and their security.