Cebu: The Police Regional Office in Eastern Visayas (PRO-8) has deployed a disaster response contingent to assist in relief and rehabilitation operations in Cebu province, one of the areas hardest hit by Typhoon Tino. A send-off ceremony for the contingent was held Thursday at the PRO-8 gymnasium. The 73-member team will support the Police Regional Office 7 (Central Visayas) in ongoing disaster response and recovery efforts.
According to Philippines News Agency, the contingent will conduct clearing operations in the severely affected areas of Danao, Compostela, Cotcot, and Liloan, and will also assist in law enforcement functions to temporarily relieve local police personnel impacted by the typhoon. To support their operations, the team brought essential equipment and supplies, including chainsaws, megaphones, family tents, shovels, radios, Starlink units, food packs, rice, raincoats, and drinking water, among others.
In a statement on Friday, PRO-8 Director Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy commended the dedication and readiness of the personnel, highlighting the compassion and service-oriented spirit of the Eastern Visayas policemen. "This mission is not only about delivering aid but also about bringing hope and reassurance to communities affected by calamities. Your willingness to serve, even in the face of hardship, reflects PRO 8's commitment to the ideals of service with compassion," he said.
The contingent is expected to stay in Cebu for about a week, working closely with local authorities and residents in relief and rehabilitation operations. Meanwhile, Capoy lauded the 3,400 personnel mobilized across the region to ensure public safety and support the disaster response operations amid the onslaught of Typhoon Tino. Reports indicated that preemptive evacuations were successfully carried out across all police provincial offices with the cooperation of residents, significantly minimizing casualties.
To strengthen future disaster operations, the body recommended the procurement of additional Starlink units for all field offices in provinces and cities and police stations in the region to ensure uninterrupted communication during emergencies.
