PNP intensifies rescue ops amid habagat onslaught

The Philippine National Police (PNP) reinforced disaster response operations Wednesday as continuous heavy rains from the enhanced southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat, threatened vulnerable communities across the country.

PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police units remain deployed nationwide to assist stranded residents and conduct emergency operations following directives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla.

“Our priority is to keep our personnel and resources where they are most needed,” Nartatez said. “We will continue rescue and evacuation operations, secure evacuation centers, clear critical roads, and deliver assistance to communities that remain affected.”

Police teams have rescued 180 individuals and supported 164 relief operations since the heavy rainfall began.

A total of 689 officers have been mobilized for active disaster response. Police forces are utilizing patrol vehicles, buses and transport trucks to provide free public rides for commuters and residents stranded by rising floodwaters.

Nartatez commended the deployed officers and urged them to remain professional while working in hazardous conditions.

Local police units have been directed to step up monitoring in flood-prone areas, secure temporary evacuation shelters, and coordinate directly with municipal governments and local emergency management agencies to streamline relief delivery.