(Manila, 8th, Combined News) — Philippine National Police (PNP) Acting Chief, Major General Jose Melencio Nartates, announced that starting Saturday, police agencies across the nation have entered a heightened alert status in order to ensure comprehensive operational readiness ahead of the arrival of Typhoon Ugong (international name Fung-wong).
Nartates stated that PNP's disaster preparedness measures are strictly being carried out in accordance with President Ferdinand Marcos' directives.
“Our officers are ready to respond to any situation at any time. We are working closely with local government units and other frontline agencies to ensure community safety and to swiftly deliver aid to those most in need,” he said.
“Our officers are ready to respond to any situation at any time. We are working closely with local government units and other frontline agencies to ensure community safety and to swiftly deliver aid to those most in need,” he said.
At present, a total of 4,142 police officers have been deployed nationwide for pre-disaster preparation activities: Police Regional Office 1 has deployed 375 personnel, Police Regional Office 3 has 368, Police Regional Office 4A has 3,391, and Police Regional Office 4B has deployed 8 personnel.
In addition, 8,358 members from Reaction Support Strike Forces (RSSF) from Police Regional Offices 1, 2, 3, 4A, 4B, and the Cordillera Administrative Region are currently on standby, ready to be immediately dispatched to disaster-stricken areas.
The PNP has also pre-positioned 187 vehicles and other mobile equipment for rescue, disaster relief, and evacuation operations. There are currently 20,433 designated evacuation centers nationwide, and local police units are closely monitoring them to ensure the safety and order of evacuees.
Police units in high-typhoon-risk areas have also received instructions to assist in preventive evacuation and clearing operations.
Meanwhile, on Friday, Central Luzon Regional Police Chief Brigadier General Rogelio Peniones conducted an inspection of disaster response equipment at the PRO-3 grounds, ensuring all rescue tools, mobile equipment, and communication systems are in proper working order, including lifeboats, life vests, chainsaws, generators, searchlights, first aid kits, and radio devices.
Peniones instructed all provincial and city police chiefs to closely coordinate with their local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (MDRRMOs) and to conduct local inspections to guarantee that all emergency units are ready to deploy at any time.
Meanwhile, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos has urged all local chief executives to suspend any trips abroad, ensuring that during disaster response and relief operations, leadership remains fully present.
The President has declared a national state of calamity, emphasizing that governors, mayors, and barangay captains must remain within their jurisdictions in case of emergency situations. Abalos further reminded local governments to assist disaster-stricken areas, promptly re-activate local price control councils to prevent price gouging, and to maintain close coordination with regional and provincial DRRMCs and DILG regional offices to ensure timely responses.
All DILG regional directors have been directed to convey instructions to every level of local government, emphasizing that strong and hands-on local leadership is vital for safeguarding lives and accelerating post-disaster recovery.