The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday reported that they mobilized their personnel and equipment to assist communities affected by Tropical Storm Verbena.

According to acting PNP Chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., their units are actively involved in the evacuation of residents from high-risk areas and in providing security at evacuation centers.

“We mobilized and deployed as many of our personnel and all the available resources on the ground to assist all our countrymen — from evacuation and rescue operations to securing evacuation centers and assisting in disaster response,” PLTGEN Nartatez said.

In Bayawan City, Negros Oriental, personnel from the Bayawan City Police Station evacuated families who were stranded in their homes in Sitio Plywood, Barangay Ubos, due to the rapid rise of floodwaters.

In Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, PNP units from Guihulngan, Hinigaran, and Pamplona conducted river monitoring, joint accounting of evacuees, and provided safe transportation for internally displaced persons.

The Maritime Police of Negros Occidental also launched rescue and clearing operations in the flooded areas of Purok Mars, Barangay Singcang-Airport, Bacolod City, to ensure the safety of communities around the waterways.

In Cebu, frontliners demonstrated a joint and coordinated response involving police, local government unit (LGU) personnel, and emergency teams to rescue residents stranded by flash flooding in Carcar City.

Meanwhile, in Dumanjug, Cebu, police ensured the safe return home of elderly evacuees and their companions.

The PNP chief emphasized that their agency is cooperating with local governments and other agencies to immediately reach and assist the most vulnerable communities.

“Our operation is continuous to reach areas struggling due to floods and landslides. We are committed to bringing every stranded family to safety while maintaining order in evacuation centers and relief distribution sites,” Nartatez said in Filipino.

The PNP stated that during their rescue operations, they faced challenges such as flooded roads, landslides, and intermittent power supply. The acting PNP chief also noted that some individuals refused to go with them. Nartatez stated that they are providing counseling and safety information to the affected community.

“There were cases where residents initially refused evacuation. In such cases, our teams provide counseling and safety information, but we always remind them of the importance of safety,” PLTGEN Nartatez added.

The PNP urged the public to strictly follow evacuation orders, stay in safe areas, and avoid passing through flooded roads. Residents are advised to immediately report any emergency to local police stations or official emergency hotlines.