La union: Greater coordination between the police and the local government resulted in zero casualties in La Union province during the onslaught of recent cyclones.

According to Philippines News Agency, Ilocos Police Regional Office (PRO1) officer-in-charge Brig. Gen. Dindo Reyes highlighted the challenges faced during Typhoon Emong (international name Co-May) on July 25. The typhoon caused significant disruptions as communication lines were down due to fallen trees and toppled posts.

Reyes explained that although many calls to 911 were made immediately after the disaster, the national headquarters struggled to reach police stations in La Union due to the downed communication lines. As a result, the regional command monitored the situation and dispatched help to those in need using alternative communication devices such as radios.

Personnel from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion were deployed to assist, utilizing their existing presence in the provinces. Reyes emphasized the importance of the mobile force in providing immediate assistance during such crises.

Despite the disaster impacting their own camp, the police remained vigilant for the post-disaster rehabilitation phase. Quick response vans from the national headquarters were instrumental in delivering necessary assistance to the affected areas.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office reported that La Union recorded 1,810 totally damaged houses and 15,109 partially damaged houses due to Typhoon Emong. The damage to agriculture and infrastructure was substantial, with losses amounting to PHP115 million and PHP880.6 million, respectively.