Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), ordered the mobilization of additional personnel and equipment for disaster response as Metro Manila and most part of Luzon and the Visayas are expected to be continuously pounded with heavy rains.
This means that the threat of widespread flooding remains, as well as other damaging effects that include landslides road and bridge damage.
Nartatez said police commanders in areas affected by the weather disturbance were tasked to assist local government units (LGUs) in ensuring public safety, particularly on evacuation and other disaster response.
Nartatez said police personnel are continuously coordinating with the LGUs and other concerned agencies for strategic deployment in areas where manpower and equipment are needed for rescue operations and other disaster response.
More police assets and other resources have also been placed on standby to assist communities affected by heavy rains and strong winds.
“Our personnel and our resources have been closely monitoring and conducting real-time response in coordination with the LGUs and other frontline services. We made available as many personnel and resources for evacuation and other disaster response,” said Nartatez.
Heavy rains brought by weather disturbances prompted the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) to raise rainfall warnings over Metro Manila and other provinces several times since Friday.
Intense rains will continue to batter parts of Luzon and the Visayas through Tuesday, Aug. 11, as two tropical cyclones outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) enhance the southwest monsoon or “habagat.”
The rains, ranging from 50mm to 200mm, are expected to continue until Tuesday.
Nartatez said local police units will remain in close coordination with local authorities as weather conditions develop. He said police personnel are prepared to respond to residents who may need assistance or evacuation.
Nartatez urged the public to monitor weather developments and follow official instructions from local authorities, “We urge the public to remain calm but vigilant and heed the advice of authorities for your own safety.”