Cops secure evacuation centers in areas severely hit by M 7.8 quake in Mindanao
Police forces were deployed to secure and manage evacuation centers in Central Mindanao and Davao region after a number of families were displaced following a powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Sarangani province.
Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said police visibility has been increased in affected provinces to support local government units in managing crowd control and relief operations.
“A number of our kababayan were traumatized over this incident and police presence in evacuation centers and other areas are meant to make them feel that their PNP will be there to assist them whatever happens and at all cost,” said Nartatez.
More than 2,000 police personnel were deployed in evacuation centers, security of critical installations, and assistance to affected communities as search and rescue operations continue in coordination with partner agencies, particularly in Police Regional Office 12.
Evacuation efforts remain extensive with 545 evacuation centers currently sheltering over 2,400 individuals and more than 500 families.
Nartatez ordered local commanders to ensure that evacuation sites are ready and accessible for residents who may be displaced due to aftershocks or renewed tsunami threats.
“The PNP will coordinate with local government units in ensuring the safety of residents, particularly those residing in coastal areas,” he said.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) earlier issued a tsunami warning following the strong tremor that struck Sarangani province.
Tsunami waves were recorded in several coastal areas but Phvolcs later canceled the tsunami warning after further assessment of sea level conditions.
The PNP leadership said the cancellation does not remove the risk of aftershocks, which are expected after a major seismic event. This prompted the PNP to maintain heightened alert status in evacuation centers and coastal security zones.
Police units have been instructed to ensure that essential needs such as safety, order, and coordination with relief agencies are maintained.
The directive covers coastal barangays where residents are most vulnerable to sudden sea level changes during seismic activity.