Cebu: Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr., acting chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), on Wednesday ordered the mobilization of all personnel and resources to maximize assistance to all affected residents after Tuesday night's magnitude 6.9 earthquake that jolted the province of Cebu.
According to Philippines News Agency, aside from responding to the needs of affected residents in coordination with local government units (LGUs), Nartatez stated that policemen were tasked to help secure establishments and vital infrastructure that may have been compromised as a result of the strong earthquake to ensure public safety. "Our personnel on the ground were among the first responders, and we assure the people of Cebu that we will extend all the necessary assistance-from securing affected establishments to attending to the needs of the local residents," said Nartatez.
The order aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to ensure fast and reliable government assistance to those in need. Nartatez has directed Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 (Central Visayas) to immediately activate its Disaster Incident Management Task Group and submit a comprehensive report on the impact of the earthquake that struck the Visayas.
He further instructed PRO7 to provide real-time updates to the National Headquarters, particularly concerning the extent of damage, affected communities, and the operational response being undertaken on the ground. Nartatez also emphasized the immediate accounting of deployed personnel, logistics readiness, and the conduct of Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA).
Apart from Cebu, police officers in other affected provinces were also instructed to coordinate with the LGUs for any response. "We are closely monitoring the development on the ground to maximize police assistance in areas where additional manpower, and your PNP is needed," said Nartatez.
With the strong magnitude and reported damage to some establishments, Nartatez mentioned that personnel from the Engineering Service would be on standby for technical assistance to the proper authorities. "Our Engineering Service will be on standby for possible rendering of assistance in the structural integrity inspection of buildings and establishments," he added.
Police stations and establishments will be inspected to ensure the safety of PNP personnel in Cebu. Nartatez instructed police forces throughout Cebu to keep all communication lines open for any request for assistance.
He emphasized the importance of close coordination with LGUs, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, and other government agencies to ensure a unified and effective disaster response. The regional office was also reminded to support local evacuation efforts, secure affected areas, and keep the public properly informed through official advisories.
Additional resources from the National Headquarters and nearby regions are on standby to reinforce PRO7 in safeguarding communities and restoring normalcy as soon as possible. "Kagabi pa ay tumulong ang PNP at nagpadala tayo ng augmentation force para tumulong sa search and rescue [operations] sa mga apektadong lugar," stated Central Visayas police chief Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, highlighting the PNP's immediate response to assist in search and rescue operations in affected areas.
