The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it has deployed thousands of police personnel to assist in evacuation, road-clearing, and disaster response operations following the onslaught of Typhoon Uwan (international name: Fung-Wong), which battered large parts of Luzon and the Visayas.

PNP Chief, P/LtGen. Jose Melencio Narratez directed all police commanders to secure evacuation centers and assist residents returning to their homes in areas affected by the typhoon, particularly in the Bicol Region and Eastern Visayas, which were among the hardest hit.

“One of the main priorities right now is road-clearing operations to ensure the smooth movement of relief goods and equipment in affected areas,” Nartatez said.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), more than 1.4 million individuals or 426,000 families were preemptively evacuated due to Typhoon Uwan.

The PNP has deployed 25,878 personnel nationwide for disaster preparedness, rescue, and public safety operations, including officers from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and other regional police offices across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

An additional 13,190 members of the Reactionary Standby Support Force (RSSF) are on standby for deployment, supported by 1,219 police vehicles and equipment prepositioned in critical areas.

In evacuation centers, Nartatez said more than 2,100 police personnel, including 400 officers from the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD), have been assigned to maintain order and ensure the safety of evacuees.

The PNP Maritime Group and regional units are also assisting stranded passengers in seaports, as heavy rains and strong winds continue to disrupt travel and transport.

Nartatez likewise emphasized that all PNP field units in Luzon and the Visayas remain on full alert, monitoring their respective areas and supporting ongoing evacuation, rescue, and clearing operations.