The Philippine National Police (PNP) placed on full alert its disaster response units in parts of Visayas and Mindanao on the track of tropical storm “Dante,” which is forecast by weather bureau PAGASA to intensify in the coming days.
PNP Chief, Police Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said all concerned police offices, especially those in Eastern and Northern Samar, have been directed to coordinate with the local government units (LGUs) and the local offices of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) to determine the specific assistance they can extend amid tropical storm Dante’s threat.
“I am placing all concerned police offices and units on full alert to guarantee the availability of assets, resources, and personnel for possible disaster response operations in areas threatened by Dante,” Eleazar said.
“Bilin ko rin po sa ating mga kapulisan, makipag-ugnayan po tayo sa mga LGUs para makatulong sa preventive evacuation measures na kanilang isinasagawa sa mga apektadong residente,” he added.
The local police were also tasked to ensure order and the observation of minimum public health safety standards once evacuees are brought to the different evacuation centers.
Meanwhile, Eleazar ordered the activation of the Reactionary Standby Support Force (RSSF) in case there is a need to augment forces in calamity-stricken areas.
He urged the public to keep safe and remain alert amid the storm. He also urged residents to follow the instructions of authorities when it comes to evacuation.
“Maging alerto po tayo at sumunod sa ipinag-uutos ng ating mga local chief executives, lalo na kung tungkol po ito sa preemptive evacuation,” he said. “Makakaasa po kayo na handa ang mga otoridad, kabilang ang ating kapulisan, na siguraduhin ang inyong kaligtasan mula sa banta ng bagyo.” (PNP-PIO) -jlo
