AS THE heavy downpours caused by tropical depressions “Henry” and “Inday” continue to hit Central Luzon, the entire Police Regional Office (PRO) in this region has been relentless in its rescue operations in flood-stricken municipalities.

Rescue operations started Tuesday as floodwaters began to rise from waist deep to five feet high in the provinces of Bulacan, Bataan, Pampanga and Zambales.

Amid the strong water current, Philippine National Police Search And Rescue (SAR) personnel equipped with rubber boats were able to rescue a total of 377 families stranded from their inundated homes. Residents staying at rooftops who recently refused to leave their personal belongings due to fear of burglars were persuaded to evacuate to a safer place.

“I have directed all our SAR teams to conduct rescue and even search operations for stranded families particularly in still-inaccessible areas. I have also given orders to our personnel to keep an eye on criminal elements especially looters and profiteers who may take advantage of the situation,” Police Chief Superintendent Amador Corpus, PRO-Central Luzon director, said. (PR)