The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday activated its regional emergency and health response teams to strengthen preparedness measures following increased volcanic activity at Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island and Taal Volcano in Batangas.
PNP Chief P/Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the move is part of a proactive, dual-hazard response aimed at ensuring rapid and coordinated assistance to local government units (LGUs) in areas potentially affected by the unrest.
Nartatez ordered all police units in the affected regions to be placed on heightened alert and instructed them to comply with local evacuation and disaster protocols.
“The strategic activation includes both standard police emergency response teams and specialized health teams,” he said.
“This ensures that the PNP can provide a full spectrum of immediate assistance, ranging from search and rescue operations to medical triage and psychological first aid,” he added.
Nartatez also emphasized the principle of personnel self-sufficiency, directing police officers to be equipped not only to aid civilians but also to sustain their own operations in hazardous conditions.
“Ipinagutos na natin sa PRO-NIR at PRO-4A na makipag-ugnayan sa mga LGU upang masigurong may Go Bags at face masks ang ating mga kababayan,” he said. “Siniguro din natin na ang mga personnel natin ay may kanya-kanya ring Go Bags at face masks para sa sarili nilang kaligtasan.”
The PNP has coordinated with local authorities to ensure that essential supplies, such as Go Bags and face masks, are distributed to communities, while officers are adequately equipped for field deployment.
Kanlaon Volcano recorded a minor eruption last Friday, followed by ashfall on Saturday, while Taal Volcano logged three minor phreatic and phreatomagmatic eruptions over the weekend.
Nartatez assured the public that the police organization remains committed to protecting life and property. He urged residents in affected areas to stay alert and comply with all preemptive evacuation orders and safety advisories issued by local authorities.