THE National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Eastern Police District (EPD) will establish a command post to boost disaster response during calamities.

EPD Director Matthew Baccay said Monday, December 7, 2020, that establishment of a command post would strengthen coordination before, during and after a typhoon hits their area of jurisdiction which includes San Juan, Pasig, Mandaluyong, and Marikina.

Marikina was affected by massive flooding during and after Typhoon Ulysses in November. Thousands of residents were displaced and had to be rescued as floodwaters rose.

“The command center will take all the reports on where the most affected areas are and what kind of help or rescue they need," Baccay said in Filipino during a phone interview Monday, December 7, 2020.

Bacay said he already met with Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro to discuss better disaster preparedness and response measures involving the police.

Once the command center is activated, Baccay said relief operations will be expedited as there will be better coordination and communication between the PNP and the affected communities.

He said they will also present the proposal to other concerned mayors for possible application.

Baccay said the need to enact local laws providing funds for disaster response was also discussed.

"Local governments - they can produce their funding, they can appropriate - so their role is very crucial," Baccay said.

He stressed the importance of preparedness to prevent calamity-related deaths and damage to properties.

On Saturday, December 5, the Philippine Navy (PN) brought, through BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-601), another batch of relief goods to Cagayan province in northern Luzon which also suffered from massive flooding after Typhoon Ulysses.

Lieutenant Maria Christina Roxas, PN public affairs office chief, said 76 tons of assorted relief goods were donated by various personalities, non-government organizations and government. (SunStar Philippines)