Bulacan floods: Cops give free rides, wade in chest-deep waters
With nearly the entire town of Hagonoy submerged, Mayor Charo Sy-Alvarado Mendoza directed police to provide free rides to stranded residents.
Police in Hagonoy, under Lt. Col. Leonard M. Lim, assist residents during the implementation of the “Libreng Sakay” program in Brgy. Sto. Niño. (Photo courtesy of Bulacan PPO)
At 8:27 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12, personnel of the Hagonoy police led by Lt. Col. Leonard M. Lim launched the “Libreng Sakay” program in Brgy. Sto. Niño.
The initiative, carried out with police visibility and assistance, aims to ensure safe and orderly transport while preventing untoward incidents.
In Calumpit, Bulacan, police and government agencies wade through waist-deep floods to deliver relief goods to affected families. (Photo courtesy of Bulacan PPO)
In Calumpit, floodwaters rising to waist and chest levels did not stop relief operations.
Mayor Glorime “Lem” M. Faustino, together with police chief Lt. Col. Leopoldo L. Estorque Jr., the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, personally led the distribution of food packs to families who remained in inundated homes.
Despite the difficult conditions, responders waded through high waters to reach affected communities.
Officials said the coordinated effort underscored the unity of government agencies in ensuring residents are not left alone during calamities.
The operation also carried the spirit of “JBM Cares,” a community outreach and welfare program promoted by Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez, PRO3 regional director, who emphasized stronger cooperation between government and community in times of disaster.