100 cops from Visayas for deployment in Bicol

CEBU CITY --- Some 100 policemen from Central Visayas will be sent to Bicol region to help in the government’s post-typhoon response efforts.

This was announced on Monday, Nov. 2, by Brig. Gen. Albert Ignatius Ferro, regional director of the Police Regional Office 7 (PRO-7), who is a Bicolano.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, General Camilo Cascolan, also on Nov. 2, instructed the PRO-7 to assist its counterpart in Bicol in extending help to communities affected by Typhoon “Rolly.”

Ferro said PRO-7 is “preparing a 100-man team” to help in Bicol. He said the needed equipment and provisions are now being prepared for their deployment.

PRO-7 is also now coordinating with the Philippine Coast Guard for the clearance to travel safely to Bicol. Ferro assured the deployment will not affect the implementation of quarantine measures in the region.

PRO-7, he also said, is now accepting donations for families affected by the recent typhoon.

In a statement, Cascolan ordered the police force to lead post-disaster clean-up, relief and rehabilitation operations of regional and provincial police offices in hardest-hit areas by Typhoon “Rolly.”

PNP units were instructed to initiate clearing operations of highways and main thoroughfares to allow smooth passage of emergency services, relief caravans, and commercial cargo.

The PNP chief noted that “the readiness of LGUs and police units in responding to emergencies and firm implementation of disaster mitigation measures resulted in minimal casualties despite the destructive force of the super typhoon.” (PNA)