Atin Ito First Filipino Community Newspaper in Ontario
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has mobilized more than 27,000 of its personnel to assist the local government units (LGUs) in responding to the threat of super typhoon “Betty” which is now bringing heavy rains especially in Northern Luzon.
PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda, Jr. said the police forces were instructed to coordinate with local officials for possible preemptive evacuation, and rescue and relief operations and areas that are now experiencing bad weather conditions, as well as those which would likely be hit by “Betty”.
“Betty”, with international name “Mawar”, entered the Philippine area of responsibility over the weekend and is now moving closer to the tip of Northern Luzon, particularly in the Cagayan Valley region.
The super typhoon, although downgraded already to typhoon, is expected to bring a large volume of rain in the whole archipelago which might cause flooding and landslides.
Acorda earlier ordered police commanders in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley Region, Central Luzon and the Cordillera Administrative region to mobilize all Regional Mobile Force Battalions, including the Provincial Mobile Force Companies as part of the government’s response.
“The PNP National Headquarters Critical Incident Management Committee, of which I am the chairman, has been activated to monitor, coordinate, and direct all disaster response efforts of PNP Units,” said Acorda.
“PNP units at the municipal, city, and provincial levels are under specific instructions to keep all national highways and thoroughfares clear of road debris and obstruction to ensure unhampered passage of emergency vehicles, rescue equipment, and relief aid convoys to disaster-affected areas,” he added.
Acorda said they are now also coordinating with local disaster risk reduction and management officials and the Department of Social Welfare and Development for the prepositioning of food packs and other forms of assistance.
He said the warehouses and distribution hubs of food packs and relief goods are now secured by local police forces.
Currently, the PNP has 4,650 trained personnel for Water Search and Rescue (WASAR), 7,371 trained personnel for Search and Rescue (SAR), 8,806 Life Vest, 77 SAR Boats, and 1,730 units of search and rescue equipment vehicles consisting of 1,496 personnel carriers, and 234 units of Troop Carrier, including 625 portable electric generator sets.
“These vehicles will be utilized whenever there is a need to relocate those who will be affected by super typhoon ‘Betty’,” said Acorda. — Aaron Recuenco
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Credit belongs to: www.mb.com.ph
