Bicol: The Police Regional Office (PRO) 5 in Bicol has activated its support force and emergency response teams in anticipation of the potential impact of Tropical Storm Ramil, known internationally as Fengshen.
According to Philippines News Agency, PRO-5 Director, Brig. Gen. Nestor Babagay Jr., announced the mobilization of 1,328 personnel to respond to the storm. This includes 713 members of the Reactionary Standby Support Force (RSSF) and 615 personnel from the Search, Rescue, and Retrieval (SRR) teams, all prepared to assist affected communities promptly.
“Our officers are fully prepared to protect lives and property. We are closely coordinating with local government units and other response agencies to ensure a unified and effective disaster response. I urge everyone to stay vigilant, cooperate with authorities, and prioritize safety at all times,” Babagay emphasized.
The RSSF and Emergency Response Team (ERT) are specialized for quick deployment to areas that might experience flooding, landslides, or other weather-related emergencies. Their role includes disaster response operations, rescue efforts, and law enforcement support.
Babagay highlighted the importance of early coordination and communication to safeguard lives and property, especially regarding evacuations in low-lying, coastal, and flood-prone areas. Police units have been tasked with assisting in traffic management, maintaining peace in evacuation centers, and distributing relief goods with local authorities.
Provincial police offices and the Naga City Police Office have been directed to activate their Critical Incident Monitoring Action Teams (CIMAT) to enhance local disaster response operations. These teams are responsible for monitoring critical areas, maintaining situational awareness, and ensuring that personnel and logistics are ready for potential deployment.
The regional CIMAT team will monitor the situation continuously and coordinate with lower units for timely information dissemination, rapid mobilization, and effective resource management during any eventuality.
