The Philippine National Police (PNP) has mobilized its local units to assist in search operations for 16 individuals reported missing following recent weather disturbances across the country.
Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said on Tuesday, Sept. 30, he has already directed territorial police units to coordinate with concerned agencies and deploy necessary manpower and resources to assist in the search efforts.
“Our local police units are aware of these incidents because we know that it is in the police station that the relatives (of the missing) first sought assistance.”
Nartatez emphasized the emotional toll on families and the importance of government action.
“We understand what it feels to have missing relatives and family members. We need to show them that the national government, including the PNP, will exhaust all the measures to locate their kin,” he added.
The PNP’s commitment comes amid ongoing efforts by disaster response teams and local authorities to locate those affected by floods, landslides, and other calamities triggered by recent typhoons and heavy rains.
Based on the latest National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) situational report, 12 of the missing persons were in Eastern Visayas, two in Oriental Mindoro, and one each in Bicol Region and Western Visayas.
Meanwhile, Nartatez said the PNP remains in full coordination with the NDRRMC and local government units in relation to the post-disaster response in Masbate, the Mindoro provinces, and other areas severely affected by “Opong”.
He said the coordination includes deployment of personnel and PNP resources needed in relief distribution and rehabilitation programs of affected areas. (Aaron Recuenco)
