Rome: The Police Regional Office 5 (PRO-5) has stepped up disaster response and security operations in Albay following Mayon Volcano's recent activity, including a pyroclastic density current (PDC) event that triggered immediate emergency protocols and intensified field deployment.
According to Philippines News Agency, PRO-5 Regional Public Information Office chief Lt. Col. Maria Luisa Calubaquib stated that the sudden PDC, followed by ashfall and low visibility, prompted the immediate activation of response mechanisms. These included deploying the Kasurog DEAR (Disaster Emergency Assistance Response) from the Albay Police Provincial Office, with additional personnel on standby from the regional headquarters.
"Last Saturday, it was sudden, so we automatically deployed our KASUROG DEAR. Our personnel on the ground responded immediately that night. Because of the dark and foggy conditions brought by ashfall and the PDC event, our mobile units even used lights to guide movement along highways," Calubaquib said. She noted that field units responded immediately to provide needed assistance to affected communities.
Following the volcanic activity, police units were deployed to ensure road safety, assist efforts, and maintain peace and order in affected local government units (LGUs). "Even in evacuation areas, we maintain a security presence. Our personnel continue patrolling abandoned homes to ensure that the communities left behind are protected," she added.
PRO-5 also assisted the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in distributing relief, helping facilitate the delivery of goods to evacuation centers in coordination with LGUs. Border control points and checkpoints remain active, as authorities continue monitoring movement in and out of affected areas amid ongoing volcanic hazards, including ashfall episodes and heightened alert conditions following the PDC.
Calubaquib acknowledged inter-agency coordination during the incident, including support from emergency responders along road networks. "We also saw support from other responders, including the BFP (Bureau of Fire Protection) and police personnel on the road who helped commuters, especially during low visibility caused by ashfall," she said.
To address urgent humanitarian needs, PRO-5 deployed a desalination truck in Guinobatan, particularly in Barangay Travesia, to ensure access to safe drinking water amid concerns over possible contamination of local water sources from volcanic ash. Authorities assured that police augmentation remains on standby, with continued coordination among LGUs and disaster response agencies to sustain safety, security, and humanitarian assistance in communities affected by Mayon Volcano's unrest following the May 2 PDC event.
