On Thursday, July 9, the Philippine National Police (PNP) prepared all their units for critical preparedness measures. They have been placed on heightened alert for the possible effects and impact the upcoming Typhoon Inday may leave.
PNP’s search and rescue team will be positioned in areas that may be affected. They will also utilize their disaster response assets and personnel for immediate action to these places, according to PNP Directorate for Public and Community Relations (DPCR) Community Affairs Division (CAD) chief Col. Jonathan Abella.
Abella added that they have placed all concerned units on intensified operational readiness to ensure safety and security of the public. Commanders of police offices are already directed to supervise developments in their areas, according to PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.
Closely working with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Office of Civil Defense and other local government units, the PNP will activate its disaster preparedness and response protocol. Equipment required for emergency response have been already inspected and tested to ensure immediate action for people who will be affected.
Abella assured the public that the PNP pledged and committed to provide continuous police service, making the safeguard of lives, communities, and property guaranteed throughout the typhoon’s time duration in the country.
It was also advised to keep on standby for advisories regarding evacuations and weather updates to increase readiness and awareness.
Meanwhile, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian implemented the Ligtas Pinoy Act which involves carrying out the construction of fully equipped and disaster-resilient evacuation centers in every city and municipality in the country.
It is stated that these evacuation centers must withstand up to 300-kilometer-per-hour typhoon winds, allocating PHP3.745-billion budget for these constructions. Gatchalian highlighted the importance of prior preparation for unforeseen events that local governments must plan for to ensure the safety and security of the public under these calamities/ Angel Sabate
