by Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/Philippine News Agency
MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) leadership on Tuesday ordered an immediate technical inspection and assessment of all police stations and other camp facilities following the magnitude 6.1 earthquake, which hit several parts of Luzon on Monday.
PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde directed Brig. Gen. Elmer Cabreros, Engineering Service director, to conduct inspections on these facilities in Metro Manila and Central Luzon for damages to determine their structural integrity, safety, and fitness for use by PNP personnel and the public availing of police services.
Albayalde also emphasized the physical security of all detention cells to ensure that no suspects under custody can escape.
The country’s top cop also directed the Police Regional Office 3 to activate its Disaster Incident Management Task Group and immediately provide assistance to the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, local government units, other government agencies and civilian rescue groups.
The PNP chief also assured the public that the PNP will continue to be vigilant and ready to respond for any call for help.
“Paramount is the safety of the public, the maintenance of security and order in all affected areas, and the clearing of all roads and bridges for search, rescue and relief operations,” Albayalde said.
Meanwhile, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said Marjorie Laurente, 21, was brought to the Perpetual Succor Hospital after she was accidentally hit in the left arm by pieces of broken glass that fell from the 7th floor window of a building in Sampaloc, Manila.
A report from the Manila Police District said the GAW Building, along Tomas Mapua St., Binondo, Manila was slightly leaning on its side and suffered minor damages while water from the roof deck swimming pool of the Anchor Suites along Ongpin Street in Binondo spilled.
On Monday night, Albayalde directed Maj. Gen. Edwin Roque, PNP Director of Logistics, to immediately deploy all available PNP transport vehicles consisting of four coasters, one bus, and four trucks to help transport stranded people from Cubao to Monumento and Cubao to Pasay-Taft after the Light Rail Transit and the Metro Rail Transit suspended operations due to the earthquake.
“Our police will continue to be on full alert. Kindly report any suspicious behavior and unlawful acts being committed to your police stations or police officer,” Eleazar said.
