Albayalde orders Central Luzon cops to activate disaster management task group

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Oscar Albayalde ordered the Central Luzon police to activate its Disaster Incident Management Task Group following the reported casualties in Pampanga province.

The task group will assist the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, local government units, other government agencies, and civilian rescue groups, PNP spokesman Colonel Bernard Banac said in a statement.

“Paramount is the safety of the public, the maintenance of security and order in all affected areas, and the clearing of all roads and bridges for search, rescue and relief operations,” Banac said. /ee

READ: 8 dead in Pampanga after earthquake