LOCAL police offices and units in Northern Luzon were told to be on alert for typhoon Kiko amid weather experts’ warning that “Kiko” will bring heavy rains beginning Friday.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar said that after Typhoon “Jolina,” the country is once again faced with another potentially dangerous typhoon.
“I already tasked our police units in areas expected to be hit by typhoon ‘Kiko’ to prepare and help in the disaster response efforts of our Local Government Units,” said PGen Eleazar.
He also instructed the PNP to provide assistance to areas hit by “Jolina,” he added.
Thousands of residents in Eastern Visayas, Bicol Region, CALABARZON and other areas were forced to flee their homes as a result of the heavy flooding brought by the typhoon.
“I am expecting the reports of our chiefs of police about PNP personnel affected by the typhoon so we can extend help to them as well, including damage assessment of police stations and other PNP infrastructure so they can be immediately fixed,” the PNP chief said.
Meanwhile, state weather bureau PAGASA said there is moderate to high likelihood that tropical cyclone wind signals would be raised over several provinces in Northern Luzon, with higher wind signal levels possible over extreme Northern Luzon due to “Kiko.”
Part of PNP chief’s instruction is for local police officials to be present in the meetings and in crafting measures to ensure the safety of local residents.
Police assets that include trucks and other vehicles are also expected to be placed on standby for preemptive evacuation, along with enough number of policemen to assist local officials.
PGen Eleazar urged the public to remain vigilant and follow the instructions of local officials in preparation for this typhoon.
“As we are again faced with the threat of a destructive typhoon, we again urge our kababayan to listen and follow the regulations of our local government units because it will be for the safety of yourself and your loved ones.”