The Philippine National Police (PNP) mobilized its disaster response units to Northern Luzon as Supertyphoon “Henry” (international code name Hinnamnor) moves closest to the country’s northern portion within the Philippine Area Responsibility.
Upon instructions of PNP chief General Rodolfo Azurin Jr., police disaster response units, personnel and equipment were rushed to the Ilocos and Cagayan Valley Regions and some parts of the Cordilleras for swift reaction to possible contingencies.
At the same time, government relief resources were prepositioned within the proximity of designated evacuation centers for possible relief operations in areas threatened by the effects of Henry.
At the National Headquarters, the PNP high command activated the NHQ Disaster Incident Management Task Group (DIMTG), an updated and enhanced plan of action of the PNP on disaster preparedness and response management in support to other concerned agencies.
Azurin said the DIMTG supports the government’s disaster risk reduction and management efforts in accordance with the PNP Critical Incident Management Operational Procedures (CIMOP).
He said the DIMTG has alerted PNP disaster response-capable units such as Special Action Force, Maritime Group, Highway Patrol Group and Police Community Affairs and Development Group.
Regional Mobile Force Battalions (RMFB) and Provincial and City Mobile Force Companies were instructed to coordinate closely with local Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Offices and local government units for possible enforcement of forced evacuation in areas threatened by storm surge, flooding and landslide.
Azurin said regional, provincial and city or municipal PNP units in affected areas were instructed to keep all national highways and major thoroughfares clear of obstructions and debris to allow unhampered passage of troops, rescue units, emergency vehicles and relief supplies.
Police Regional Offices in Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa and Metro Manila were also alerted for possible disaster response operations in perennial geo-hazard areas in these regions in anticipation of torrential monsoon rains induced by Henry in the north.
“On top of the PNP mandate to enforce the law is the duty to perform public safety operations to save lives during this season when normal community activities are momentarily interrupted by extreme weather conditions,” Azurin said.
“This is a most opportune time for the PNP to link arms with local governments, state agencies, and private organizations to enliven the Bayanihan spirit in face of calamity,” he added.
Image credits: PNP/Facebook