Manila: Philippine National Police (PNP) acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has placed the entire police organization on heightened alert starting Saturday to ensure full operational readiness in anticipation of the impact of Typhoon Uwan (international name Fung-wong).
According to Philippines News Agency, Nartatez stated that the PNP’s disaster response efforts align with directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ‘Our men and women in uniform are ready to respond anytime and anywhere. We are working closely with local government units and other frontline agencies to make sure that our communities are safe and that help reaches those who need it the most,’ he said.
The PNP has deployed 4,142 personnel nationwide, with specific allocations including Police Regional Office (PRO) 1 deploying 375; PRO-3, 368; PRO-4A, 3,391; and PRO-4B with 8 personnel, to support pre-disaster preparedness operations. An additional 8,358 members of the Reactionary Standby Support Force (RSSF) from PRO-1, PRO-2, PRO-3, PRO-4A, PRO-4B, and PRO Cordillera Administrative Region are on standby for immediate augmentation in areas expected to be affected by the storm.
Furthermore, 187 vehicles and other mobility assets have been prepositioned to assist in rescue, relief, and evacuation operations. Currently, there are 20,433 designated evacuation centers across the country, closely monitored by local police units to ensure the safety and orderliness of evacuees. Police units in typhoon-prone regions have also been instructed to assist in pre-emptive evacuations and clearing operations.
Meanwhile, Central Luzon police chief Brig. Gen. Rogelio Pe±ones conducted an inspection of disaster response equipment on Friday at the PRO-3 Parade Ground in Camp Capt. Julian Olivas. The inspection aimed to ensure all search and rescue (SAR) tools, mobility assets, and communication systems are operational and ready for deployment, including rescue boats, life vests, chainsaws, generators, floodlights, first-aid kits, and radios. Pe±ones also instructed all provincial and city directors to coordinate closely with their respective Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (MDRRMOs), conduct local inspections, and ensure that all response units are in a state of readiness and deployability.
In a related development, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla has urged all local chief executives to suspend foreign travel until the situation stabilizes to ensure full leadership presence during disaster response and relief operations. This directive follows President Marcos’ declaration of a state of national calamity, emphasizing the duty of governors, mayors, and barangay captains to remain in their areas during emergencies. Remulla also reminded LGUs to assist affected areas, reactivate Local Price Coordinating Councils to prevent overpricing, and coordinate closely with regional and provincial DRRMCs and DILG Regional Offices for timely response. The directive stressed that strong, hands-on local leadership is crucial in protecting lives and ensuring swift recovery.
