CALAMBA CITY, Laguna – The Police Regional Office in Calabarzon (PRO 4A) has intensified disaster response efforts across the region as Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (Trami) battered numerous towns and cities.
Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth Lucas, PRO4A chief, said in a statement Thursday that a total of 1, 209 police personnel have been deployed to critical areas for evacuation, preventive patrolling in vacated zones, route security, traffic management, search and rescue missions, and relief operations. Additionally, 443 personnel from the Reactionary Standby Support Force remain on high alert, ready to provide reinforcements as needed.
Lucas also reported the evacuation of 9, 097 families, comprising 30, 932 individuals, to 402 evacuation centers throughout the region in collaboration with the respective local government units (LGUs).
In addition, he said their Sub-Committee on Natural Disaster was activated, led by the chief of the Regional Community Affairs and Development Division. This committee oversees search and rescue operations, evacuation efforts, medical support, and clearing major roads and highways to ensure the smooth delivery of emergency services and relief goods to affected communities.
“We are advising our countrymen to be careful and follow the notices of our local governments. During this time, cooperation and discipline are important to ensure everyone’s safety,” Lucas stressed. “Your police are standing by to provide help and support. Please expect that PRO-Calabarzon will be with you in facing this test,“ he added.
Meanwhile, Lucas informed that a Search and Rescue (SAR) Team, comprising 45 police personnel, has been dispatched to assist with ongoing disaster response efforts by the PRO5 in Bicol region.
The team is equipped with a bus, two trucks, one private vehicle, two fiber boats, and two rubber boats, to ensure a swift and effective deployment of manpower and resources to support those in need. (PNA)