CENTRAL LUZON COPS CONTINUE DISASTER RESPONSE OPERATIONS AS ‘MAYMAY,’ ‘HABAGAT’ TRIGGER FLOODING

BY KEVIN GALANG

CAMP OLIVAS, City of San Fernando, Pampanga — Police units across Central Luzon continue to conduct disaster response and humanitarian assistance operations as Typhoon Maymay and the southwest monsoon or habagat bring heavy rains and flooding to several areas in the region. 

Police Regional Office 3 director Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez directed all provincial and city police commanders to sustain disaster response operations and strictly observe the Philippine National Police Critical Incident Management Operational Procedures.

The Central Luzon top cop also ordered field commanders to closely monitor affected communities and ensure the immediate deployment of personnel and resources to areas requiring assistance.

Based on consolidated reports from PRO3 units and the Office of Civil Defense Region 3, as of August 9, a total of 618 families or 2,039 individuals are temporarily staying in 46 evacuation centers across Central Luzon.

At least 132 barangays in Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales have been affected by flooding.

Eight roads in Bulacan and one in Pampanga remain impassable while one bridge in Bulacan is also inaccessible due to the flooding.

Provincial and city police directors have been providing Mendez with regular situation updates, including developments in search and rescue operations, evacuation assistance, relief distribution and other humanitarian response activities.

“Our priority remains the safety of our people. I have directed all commanders to sustain our operations and ensure that our personnel and resources are available wherever assistance is needed. We will continue to support rescue, evacuation, relief, and other response efforts for as long as necessary,” Mendez said.

PRO3 personnel are coordinating closely with local government units and other government agencies to ensure that affected communities receive the necessary assistance.

Mendez said the continuing disaster response operations are part of the PNP’s efforts under the Focused Agenda of Chief PNP Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., particularly in strengthening police operational readiness and ensuring responsive police service during emergencies and calamities.

He urged residents in affected areas to remain vigilant, follow evacuation and safety advisories issued by authorities, avoid flooded and impassable roads, and immediately seek assistance when necessary.

“As long as there are communities that need our help, our personnel will remain on the ground, ready to respond and serve. This is how we make Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman felt by our people, especially when they need us most,” Mendez said.