THE Police Regional Office (PRO)-Zamboanga Peninsula has activated a reactionary support force, which is now ready for deployment to areas affected by the Taal volcano in Batangas.

The activation of the support force is in line with the directive of Lieutenant General Archie Gamboa, the newly-appointed Philippine National police (PNP) director, who told the PNP personnel to be ready for deployment to assist in disaster and relief operations.

Brigadier General Froilan Quidilla, PRO-Zamboanga Peninsula director, said the reactionary support force is composed of 96 personnel, including eight officers, who were placed on standby and ready for deployment anytime.

Quidilla said he is "waiting for the go signal" from the PNP chief for the immediate deployment of his standby force to Taal.

Thousands of individuals have been displaced when the Taal volcano erupted last January 12. (SunStar Zamboanga)