MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) increased police presence in landslide-prone communities across areas affected by Tropical Depression Maymay to help protect residents and support ongoing disaster response operations.
In a statement on Friday, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. ordered all police units in affected areas to intensify patrols in communities vulnerable to landslides and flooding.
He also instructed police commanders to conduct continuous public advisories encouraging residents to heed evacuation orders and official weather bulletins in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., through the guidance of Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to ensure a coordinated government response to weather-related emergencies.
“We will intensify patrols and assist local government units in preemptive evacuations, especially in communities identified as vulnerable to landslides and flooding. Our personnel will remain on the ground to help protect lives, secure affected areas, and support search, rescue, and relief operations," Nartatez said.
The directive came after two cooks were killed and another was injured when a landslide buried part of a restaurant kitchen in Barangay Shilan, La Trinidad, Benguet on Aug. 6.
Police said continuous heavy rains brought by tropical cyclones Luis and Maymay loosened the soil beside the establishment and triggered the collapse.
The fatalities were identified as Jerry Binay-an Agbuya, 66, and Lemar Gawidan Ciano, 31. The injured victim, Dino Binay-an Agbuya, 55, was taken to the Benguet General Hospital.
“I urge everyone to prioritize their safety by following evacuation orders and weather advisories issued by local authorities. No possession is worth risking your life. The PNP is ready to assist communities throughout this period of severe weather,” Nartatez said.
He said the PNP will continue working with local government units and disaster response agencies to secure affected communities. (PNA)
