Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) has mobilized thousands of its personnel and resources nationwide as Super Typhoon Uwan begins to affect several parts of the country. In a statement on Sunday, acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. emphasized that all police units across the nation are fully prepared to respond to emergencies and provide assistance to affected communities.
According to Philippines News Agency, Nartatez stated, “The PNP has long been preparing for this scenario. Our forces, equipment, and logistics are already in place to respond wherever we are needed.” He assured the public that the PNP is maintaining a high level of readiness, ensuring that no community will be left unattended as Super Typhoon Uwan moves across the country.
As of 5 a.m., a total of 10,750 PNP personnel have been deployed across various regions to assist in disaster preparedness, rescue operations, and public safety measures. These include uniformed officers from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and regional police offices in Northern and Central Luzon, Southern Tagalog, Bicol, Visayas, and Mindanao. An additional 11,482 members of the Reactionary Standby Support Force are ready to be mobilized for immediate augmentation. Nearly a thousand police vehicles and equipment have been prepositioned in critical areas, the PNP noted.
Currently, 996 evacuation centers are occupied, sheltering more than 102,000 families or approximately 319,000 individuals across the affected regions. The PNP has set up police assistance desks to ensure the safety, order, and protection of evacuees, particularly the elderly, women, and children. Meanwhile, 3,637 passengers remain stranded in various seaports, with the PNP Maritime Group and regional units ensuring their welfare and security.
PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tua±o stated, “Our focus is to maintain peace and security in evacuation areas, prevent looting or opportunistic crimes, and provide assistance where it is most needed. The men and women of the PNP are on heightened alert and ready to serve.” The PNP reiterated its call for the public to heed evacuation advisories, stay informed through official government channels, and cooperate with authorities to ensure safety as Uwan continues its path across the country.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has also called on more than 17,000 at-risk barangays to take immediate precautionary measures ahead of Super Typhoon Uwan. “Now is the time to act. Every minute counts, and every barangay must be ready. We need swift, coordinated action to keep our people safe,” the DILG said in a separate statement. This call follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen disaster preparedness and protect vulnerable communities.
