Cebu: Police personnel in Cebu have started assisting in the ongoing shelter operations for families displaced by the recent magnitude 6.9 earthquake in the province. Philippine National Police (PNP) acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stated in a briefing that officers from the Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) participated in a pre-installation demonstration led by the Philippine Red Cross on the setup of tents at the 'Tent City' in Bogo City, Cebu.

According to Philippines News Agency, the activity was conducted to enhance coordination between the police and humanitarian workers and to ensure the safe, organized, and efficient installation of temporary shelters for residents displaced by the recent earthquake. Nartatez emphasized that police personnel are working closely with humanitarian partners to provide safe and dignified conditions for affected families.

As part of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) response framework, the PNP continues to offer manpower, mobility, and security assistance to local government units and humanitarian agencies in areas affected by the earthquake that struck northern Cebu on September 30. The disaster claimed at least 72 lives and displaced hundreds of families. The PNP has also deployed additional personnel to assist in traffic management, security in evacuation sites, and the transport of relief supplies, while intensifying police visibility and patrol operations in affected communities.

Nartatez commended police personnel for aiding in the gradual restoration of normalcy in the province and assured continuous coordination for a smooth response to affected residents. He stated the importance of coordinating with local government units, particularly the Provincial Government of Cebu, to expedite the distribution of assistance to the farthest affected barangays.

Meanwhile, Nartatez reported that no focused crimes were recorded in Cebu province from October 1 to 5 following the earthquake. Focus crimes include murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, and carnapping. He assured that the peace and order situation in northern Cebu remains generally peaceful and under control, with no reported incidents of looting or disorder.