The Philippine National Police (PNP) directed all its commanders in areas severely affected by tropical storm “Basyang” to assist in post-disaster response efforts, particularly in clearing roads and other transportation access.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said rod-clearing is essential in storm-affected areas in order to ensure the swift delivery of relief goods to isolated communities and restoration of critical infrastructure.

“The government’s immediate response is critical to all our kababayan, especially in hardest hit areas. The first step is to clear the roads of debris and other obstacles for the fast and smooth flow of government assistance,” said Nartatez.

Several road sections and bridges remain impassable in various parts of Visayas and Mindanao. Reports indicate that 37 roads and one bridge in Northern Mindanao are still closed to traffic.

Additionally, three roads and two bridges in the Caraga region remain impassable.

The storm has left 12 people dead and 36 others injured.

Nartatez directed the concerned Police Regional Offices to deploy personnel to work alongside local government units to accelerate debris removal.

“On the part of the PNP, our personnel on the ground are doing all the best that they can to assist the local government units and other government agencies concerned to ensure the welfare of our affected kababayan,” he added.

Nartatez emphasized that a sufficient number of police teams are also on standby to provide any necessary assistance to residents while police commanders are maintaining a high level of visibility to ensure peace and order in the affected areas.

He said the PNP continues to monitor the situation closely and personnel will remain on the ground until all primary routes are safe for public use.