The Philippine National Police (PNP) is deploying humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) teams that will be deployed in post-disaster response in Masbate and other areas devastated by the Typhoon Opong.
In a statement on Sunday, PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said that the mobilization will be conducted by the Police Regional Offices (PROs) of the affected regions, in coordination with the concerned local government units as to the areas of deployment.
The priority, Nartatez said, is Masbate which is considered as the hardest hit of typhoon “Opong”.
The province was already placed under the State of Calamity.
“I have already directed the Regional Directors of the affected regions to mobilize humanitarian teams that will assist in post-disaster response to help our affected countrymen to get back on their feet,” said Nartatez.
“From clearing debris to rebuilding communities, your PNP will be there to assist and be a strong partner in rebuilding the lives of those severely affected by the typhoon,” he added.
Thousands of people were forced to evacuate while hundreds of families were severely affected by the weather disturbance due to the strong winds and heavy rains that damaged their homes and livelihood.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said a total of 2,026,246 individuals or 520,165 families were affected in 15 regions, 57 provinces, 504 cities/municipalities, and 4,219 barangays by Opong.
Nartatez earlier ordered policemen to help in the road clearing operations to ensure a fast and smooth transportation of relief goods and other assistance from the national government.
Police commanders were also tasked to submit assessment reports in their respective areas of responsibility for the PNP to have a clear picture of the situation on the ground, which is needed for an appropriate response.
The assessment report includes damage to PNP offices, assets and personnel.
“The impact of Typhoon Opong is severe on our countrymen and we are also among those hit by it. We will be downloading funds to renovate and rebuild our police stations and offices and assist our affected personnel,” said Nartatez.
He also tasked the PNP personnel to continue extending assistance in coordination with the LGUs and other government agencies concerned, and in securing evacuation centers.
A total of 6,610 individuals were rescued by the PNP during 42 search, rescue, and retrieval (SRR) operations nationwide.
Around 7,000 police personnel were mobilized to carry out these critical operations, as well as the restoration of critical lifelines like roads, electricity, and communication lines.
