PNP prepositions personnel, assets as #UwanPH batters Philippines

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday said it has prepositioned rescue personnel and equipment in areas expected to be affected by Typhoon Uwan.

PNP Chief P/LtGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the search and rescue (SAR) teams have been deployed in coordination with local government units and disaster risk reduction offices.

“Aside from our local police forces that were already placed on alert, we ensured that a sufficient number of personnel and resources are on standby and ready for deployment to areas that would need immediate assistance,” he assured the public. 

More than 4,000 police personnel have been deployed nationwide, with an additional 8,300 Reactionary Standby Support Force members on standby. 

A total of 187 vehicles and mobility assets are positioned for rescue, relief, and evacuation operations. 

Local police are monitoring 20,433 designated evacuation centers.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecasts that Typhoon Uwan could rapidly intensify, potentially reaching super typhoon strength by Saturday evening or Sunday. 

The typhoon may make landfall at or near its peak intensity.

The PNP Chief also reminded the public to monitor verified advisories and avoid spreading unverified information online.