Manila: Police units in Luzon and the Visayas remain on alert to ensure smooth disaster response in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Uwan (international name Fung-wong).

According to Philippines News Agency, Philippine National Police (PNP) acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has directed all police commanders to help secure evacuation centers and assist displaced residents once they start returning to their communities. As of 8 a.m. Monday, Uwan is now over the West Philippine Sea, last tracked 125 km west northwest of Bacnotan, La Union, with maximum sustained winds of 150 km per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 230 kph.

Bicol Region and Eastern Visayas were the first areas affected by Uwan, experiencing heavy rains and strong winds, leading to widespread flooding and damage to homes, establishments, and infrastructure. Nartatez emphasized that initial assessments indicate significant destruction, particularly in the Bicol region, and assured that the PNP, along with other government agencies, will provide necessary assistance to affected communities.

Nationwide, at least 25,878 PNP personnel have been deployed for disaster preparedness, rescue, and public safety operations, including officers from the National Capital Region Police Office and regional police offices across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Additionally, 13,190 members of the Reactionary Standby Support Force (RSSF) are on standby for immediate deployment, with at least 1,219 police vehicles and equipment prepositioned in critical areas.

Over 2,100 policemen have been stationed in evacuation centers from Eastern Visayas and Bicol to northern Luzon to secure and support evacuees. Nartatez noted that personnel from the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) are among those deployed, and he instructed commanders to closely monitor evacuation centers and increase police presence if necessary.

The PNP Maritime Group and regional units are also focused on the welfare of stranded passengers in various seaports. Over 1.4 million individuals were preemptively evacuated due to Uwan, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).