PNP activates disaster response units

July 17, 2018

The Philippine National Police has activated its disaster response units to to augment local PNP units as southwest monsoon continues to cause torrential rain and flash floods in the Metro Manila, and other areas and provinces.

The PNP activated its National Headquarters Disaster Incident Management Task Group (DIMTG), an updated and enhanced plan of action on disaster preparedness and response management to support  other concerned agencies.

In a 10 am bulletin, state weather forecasters said monsoon rains will be experienced in Metro Manila, Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, Mindoro provinces, Palawan and Western Visayas. The monsoon rains are being induced by Typhoon Henry as it moves out of the Philippine area of responsibility.

According to Director Eduardo Serapio Garado, head of PNP Police Community Relations and chairman of the sub-committee on Disaster Management, DIMTG supports the government’s disaster risk reduction and management efforts in accordance with the PNP critical incident management operational procedures.

PNP disaster response-capable units include, Special Action Force, Maritime Group, Highway Patrol Group, Police Community Relations Group, as well as the Regional Public Safety Battalions, were instructed to coordinate closely with NDRRMC and Local government units for possible enforcement of forced evacuation in flood-stricken areas due to heavy rains.

“This is one of those seasonal situations when the PNP is called upon to perform public safety operations to save lives,” PNP Director General Oscar Albayalde said. DMS