Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday announced that it has mobilized personnel and resources to assist communities affected by Tropical Storm Verbena. In a statement, PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said PNP units are actively involved in the safe evacuation of residents from high-risk areas and in providing security at evacuation centers.
According to Philippines News Agency, the PNP has been working closely with local government units and other agencies to reach vulnerable communities swiftly. Among the challenges faced by police personnel are flooded roads, landslides, and power outages. Despite these difficulties, Nartatez assured the public of the PNP's commitment to utilizing all available equipment and resources.
In several instances, residents were initially reluctant to evacuate. The PNP teams have been providing counseling and safety information, emphasizing the importance of safety. In Bayawan City, Negros Oriental, police evacuated families stranded in Sitio Plywood, Barangay Ubos due to rising floodwaters.
PNP units in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, including Guihulngan, Hinigaran, and Pamplona, have been involved in river monitoring, accounting of evacuees, and transportation of displaced persons. Maritime Police in Negros Occidental conducted rescue operations in flood-affected Purok Mars, Barangay Singcang Airport, Bacolod City. Efforts in Cebu province, particularly in Carcar City and Dumanjug town, also saw collaboration between police, local government units, and emergency teams.
The PNP has urged the public to comply with evacuation orders, stay in safe areas, and avoid flooded streets. Emergencies should be reported to local police stations or official emergency hotlines. PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen Randulf Tua±o reported no damage to police stations, with police mobility and communication unaffected by the weather.
Before Verbena's arrival, the PNP coordinated with local government units, performing pre-accounting and pre-inspections to ensure readiness for police tasks, Tua±o stated during a press briefing at Camp Crame.
