PRO 5 sustains humanitarian, public safety efforts for Albay residents affected by Mayon unrest

By Ana-Liza Sapinoso Macatangay

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Police Regional Office 5 (PRO 5) continues to provide humanitarian assistance and public safety services to thousands of residents affected by the ongoing unrest at Mayon Volcano, particularly in the towns of Guinobatan and Camalig, where frequent lava collapses have triggered Pyroclastic Density Currents (PDCs).

Under the leadership of Acting Regional Director Brig Gen. Erosito Miranda, PRO 5 immediately mobilized its personnel and resources to support affected communities, prioritizing access to safe and potable drinking water amid the continuing volcanic activity.

Through the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 5 Emergency Response Team (ERT) and Search and Rescue (SAR) Water Desalination Team, PRO 5 successfully distributed around 43,000 liters of clean water to more than 1,490 families or 13,975 individuals in Sitio Basud, Barangay San Rafael, Guinobatan, Albay.

PRO 5 Public Information Office Chief Lt. Col. Maria Luisa Calubaquib said the water distribution forms part of the agency’s continuing disaster response and humanitarian operations aimed at safeguarding the health and welfare of residents affected by Mayon’s unrest.

“Despite challenging conditions, our personnel remain committed to ensuring that affected communities receive timely and essential assistance,” Calubaquib said.

Aside from water distribution, PRO 5’s KASUROG D.E.A.R. Team conducted clearing and de-clogging operations in affected areas to keep roads passable, improve drainage systems, and reduce hazards caused by ashfall, mud, and debris.

The operations were carried out in close coordination with local government units and partner agencies to ensure the continuous mobility of emergency responders and the safe passage of residents.

As of press time, PRO 5 has deployed 251 personnel to conduct 16 road-clearing operations in various affected communities.

For 23-year-old Melchor Jhon Guarnes Ocfemia of Lower Binogsacan, Guinobatan, the immediate response of government agencies greatly helped residents struggling with the effects of the eruption.

“Mabilis po silang kumilos. Malaking tulong po ito para mas mabilis malinis ang mga kalsada at maihatid agad ang mga pangunahing pangangailangan ng mga residente,” Ocfemia shared.

He recalled the frightening experience on May 2 when the collapse of Mayon’s lava dome triggered hazardous PDCs, leaving them temporarily stranded inside a church as thick ashfall engulfed the area due to the volcano’s strombolian activity.

Meanwhile, 24-year-old Jan Armand Cortez of San Francisco, Guinobatan, said the flushing and clearing operations conducted by the police, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), other agencies, and volunteers significantly helped lessen the heavy ash accumulation along roads and residential areas.

Beyond immediate disaster response, PRO 5 also intensified security and public safety operations in evacuation centers. Police personnel were deployed to provide area security, traffic management, and assistance during relief operations to ensure that humanitarian aid reached intended beneficiaries efficiently and without disruption.

To date, PRO 5 has deployed 398 personnel for relief operations and has conducted 11 relief missions benefiting around 43,698 families or 147,894 individuals.

As part of its sustained disaster response efforts, PRO 5 also maintained close coordination with local DRRM councils, barangay officials, and emergency response clusters to ensure continuous monitoring and swift response operations. Assistance for the evacuation and transport of vulnerable individuals, including senior citizens, children, and persons with disabilities, was likewise extended whenever necessary.

Information Dissemination efforts

To help communities stay informed amid Mayon Volcano’s unpredictable activity, PRO 5 continues to intensify its information dissemination campaigns by regularly issuing public safety advisories on volcanic hazards, evacuation procedures, and precautionary measures.

Authorities said these efforts aim to keep residents alert and prepared as the situation evolves, while search and rescue teams remain on standby for immediate deployment during emergencies.

Calubaquib said the agency’s continuing humanitarian and public safety initiatives reflect its commitment to delivering “Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman,” in line with the PNP Focused Agenda.

“PRO 5 assures the public that its personnel and response teams remain on full alert and ready to provide immediate assistance at all times,” Calubaquib said, emphasizing the police force’s dedication to responsive public service and compassionate community support during times of crisis. (PIA 5)