Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has ordered all commanders to deploy maximum personnel and assets to spearhead disaster response efforts after Typhoon “Inday” and the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat) ravaged the Visayas and Mindanao.
The severe weather system triggered widespread flash floods and landslides, leaving at least 18 individuals dead and 14 others missing.
With police units across the country placed on heightened alert, Nartatez underscored the institution’s continuous involvement from early mitigation to ongoing recovery operations.
“Your PNP has been present as early as in the preparation stage and will continue to remain active as the focus shifts to search and rescue, road-clearing, relief distribution and other disaster response,” Nartatez stated.
Although state weather bureau PAGASA reported that Typhoon “Inday” departed the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday morning, the southwest monsoon continues to dump heavy rain over various regions.
In response, Nartatez clarified that the current police priority centers on humanitarian assistance and restoring infrastructure to reconnect cut-off towns.
“A number of our personnel are now assisting local government units and we also have a sufficient number of personnel on standby and ready to be tapped and deployed if necessary,” the PNP chief added.
Local stations are currently focused on clearing vital roads blocked by mudslides and flood debris to ensure emergency personnel and relief goods can move unimpeded.
Additionally, all police chiefs must submit comprehensive post-disaster assessments to help the PNP refine its future calamity response protocols.