PNP mobilizes rescue teams amid ‘Kiyapo’ threat

The Philippine National Police (PNP) deployed disaster response and incident management teams in Northern Luzon and surrounding regions Friday as tropical depression “Kiyapo” approached the country.

PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered police regional offices across Northern Luzon and areas affected by the southwest monsoon to activate emergency response teams.

Police personnel prepositioned search and rescue units, rubber boats, and high-clearance vehicles in flood- and landslide-prone communities.

The mobilization follows directives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla to coordinate government response efforts ahead of severe weather.

“All our police units in areas along Kiyapo’s projected path are ready,” Nartatez said. “They were already instructed to maintain heightened alert, preposition search and rescue assets, and work closely with local disaster management councils to ensure a swift response.”

Tropical depression “Kiyapo” slightly intensified as it moved west-northwest toward Northern Luzon, packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 70 kph.

Weather forecasters expect the cyclone to strengthen into a tropical storm before passing near northeastern Cagayan and making landfall in or passing near the Babuyan Islands on Friday.

The storm is projected to bring strong winds and moderate to intense rainfall across much of Northern Luzon before exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon will continue to bring moderate to heavy rains across Western Visayas, Negros, MIMAROPA and western sections of Central and Southern Philippines.