PALO: The 172 responders, mostly policemen, deployed to help victims of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami) in the Bicol region received a hero’s welcome on Monday upon their return in Eastern Visayas after a 10-day post-disaster response. Philippine National Police (PNP) Eastern Visayas Regional Director Brig. Gen. Jay Cumigad said during the welcome ceremony that the interagency contingent worked tirelessly to provide law and order, public safety, and humanitarian aid across the heavily affected areas.

According to Philippines News Agency, their efforts included rescue missions, relief distribution, and maintaining peace to support the recovery of the impacted communities. ‘Your unwavering support in the rescue and relief efforts in the Bicol region has been truly inspiring. You went above and beyond the call of duty in aiding typhoon-stricken communities,’ he told responders during the ceremony at the Police Regional 8 Gymnasium.

Eastern Visayas deployed on Oct. 24 a total of 172 r
esponders, mostly policemen, to help storm victims in the Bicol region. Of the number, 150 are personnel of the PNP, 16 from the Bureau of Fire Protection, and six from the Philippine Coast Guard. There were also support personnel from the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the Office of Civil Defense.

The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council has also mobilized four vehicles, including three trucks, a bus, and a pickup truck. During their deployment, the police regional office also activated the PNP Help and Food Bank to aid the affected region, initially donating PHP100,000 to support relief efforts.

Joining the hero’s welcome ceremony were Regional Development Council and Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez, Leyte 4th district Rep. Richard Gomez, and key officials from various government agencies.