PNP taps all police units in regions affected by ”Rolly” to clear highways, join relief operations

November 3, 2020

The chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday has tapped all police units in regions affected by Super Typhoon ''Rolly'' to clear highways and participate in relief operations.

Police General Camilo Pancratius Cascolan, PNP chief, said all their police units are now in full force in all strategic areas as part of PNPs proactive and swift response after the wrath of the strongest cyclone this year.

These operations are all set to allow smooth passage of emergency services, relief operating vehicles, and commercial cargoes.

According to the situation report from PNP Command Center, a total of 1,556 police personnel have been deployed in evacuation areas to manage the influx of families affected by the typhoon in Northern Mindanao, Bicol region, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Central Luzon, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Cagayan Valley, Cordillera, and National Capital Region (NCR).

Cascolan also ordered the deployment of 5,804 search and rescue personnel out of its 16,604 standby personnel force.

Meanwhile, 19,243 Reactionary Standby Support Force personnel are ready for any possible deployment to augment police efforts in affected communities, including 976 in the National Headquarters.

“Police forces are also working through foot and mobile patrolling in coordination with local government units, compromised of 356 personnel in vacated areas and 1,351 cops in evacuated communities in the said regions,” he said.

“These units have now prepared appropriate SAR equipment and vehicles to be used in rescue and retrieval operations such as rubber boats, HH (handheld) radios, life vests, generator sets, vehicles, trucks, and other equipment,” he added.

Due to the super typhoon, a total of 158, 776 families or 611, 893 individuals are affected and now displaced in 16, 017 evacuation centers. Ella Dionisio/DMS