The Philippine National Police (PNP) started Sunday the mobilization of 11,000 of its personnel to assist local government units (LGUs) in responding to the effects of Severe Tropical Storm Falcon.
Police forces — 2,000 cops and a 9,000-strong reactionary standby support team — were instructed to coordinate with local officials for possible preemptive evacuation, rescue and relief operations in areas already affected or likely be hit by the tropical cyclone, according to PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo.
“Nakahanda ang inyong pambansang pulisya. In fact, ‘yung ating mga regional director lalong lalo doon sa mga lugar na sinasalanta ng bagyo ay meron silang discretion na itaas ‘yung alarma ng alert level nila (The national police is on standby. In fact, our regional directors, especially in areas hit by typhoons, have the discretion to raise their alert level),” Fajardo said in a radio interview.
Falcon was spotted 1,170 km east of extreme Northern Luzon as of the 5 p.m. bulletin of state weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.
The southwest monsoon enhanced by Falcon will bring occasional to monsoon rains over the western portions of Luzon and Visayas in the next three days. It may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility Monday night or Tuesday early morning.
Fajardo said the PNP also deployed 200 personnel to bring PHP2.3 million worth of relief goods to areas severely hit by Typhoon Egay.
Fajardo said they received reports that some police stations, mostly in the Ilocos and Cagayan regions, have damaged roofing, ceilings and signage, and broken glass windows.
“The PNP stands united with the Filipino people in facing the aftermath of Typhoon Egay. Our dedicated personnel are on the ground, ready to provide assistance and support to the affected communities. We are committed to ensuring the timely and efficient delivery of relief goods and aid to those who need it the most. Together, we will rise above this calamity and rebuild stronger and more resilient communities,” PNP chief Gen Benjamin Acorda Jr. said in a statement.
Proper coordination
Meanwhile, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian instructed all regional directors to intensify their coordination with LGUs severely affected by Egay in the regions of Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Mimaropa and Cordillera.
In an emergency meeting on Sunday, Gatchalian emphasized the importance of close coordination of the DSWD – Field Offices with the LGUs in ensuring that appropriate interventions are immediately implemented.
“Part of the success natin (our success) is because the national agencies and local government units are talking, are coordinating,” Gatchalian said.
Gatchalian also ordered the regional directors to fast-track the preparations for the rollout of the Emergency Cash Transfer program in the municipality of Sablayan in Occidental Mindoro and northern provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, Apayao, Mountain Province and Cagayan.
Allies
The Unites States (US) likewise stayed true to its commitment to help allied countries by sending members of its Marine Corps to deliver supplies and conduct cleanup operations in Laoag, Ilocos Norte.
In a news release, the US Embassy said troops from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States Armed Forces are taking part in ongoing relief operations in parts of Northern Luzon.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. was also in Northern Luzon on Saturday to assess the damage, listen to the concerns of local officials and distribute assistance.
Marcos assured government responders are working to reach isolated areas to bring food and basic necessities, using all means to provide assistance to far-flung communities.
In its latest bulletin Sunday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said 16 people were reportedly killed, 16 were injured and 291,262 families were affected due to the combined effects of Egay and the southwest monsoon. (PNA)