YET TO RECEDE This photo taken on Nov. 19, 2024, shows many areas in Tuguegarao City, the provincial capital of Cagayan, still submerged in floodwaters caused by the swelling of Cagayan River and its tributaries, two days after Super Typhoon Pepito (international name: Man-yi) left the country. —CAGAYAN PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE FACEBOOK PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police Directorate for Police Community Relations (PNP DPCR) reported that 4,781 personnel were affected by Super Typhoon Pepito (international name: Man-yi).
In an interview with the media at Camp Crame on Wednesday, DPCR Director Maj. Gen. Roderick Alba said officers reported experiencing injuries and damage to their houses and respective police stations during the onslaught of the super typhoon.
READ: Typhoon Pepito Live Updates
Stressing that officers were “first responders” during calamities, Alba said aid to their personnel was being distributed through the Police Community Affairs and Development Group.
READ: Police officer helps woman give birth in Catanduanes amid Pepito
He added that even the force’s regional offices unaffected by Pepito pitched in to help areas directly hit by the cyclone.
READ: NCRPO reinforces disaster preparedness measures amid Pepito
According to the DPCR Director, an initial cash relief would be wired to cops to help their recovery, with Bicol Region and Cagayan Valley police offices reporting the most officers affected.
The directorate, however, has yet to provide a complete breakdown of officers impacted by Pepito or aid delivered per region.
Alba added that the police force was not only ensuring a smooth flow of goods along major roads during relief efforts but also offering donations to local government units to bolster their recovery through its advocacy groups.
“The advocacy groups we engage with, they’re the ones giving the support. If they’re unable to reach those areas, we facilitate their visit to the area, in giving relief goods or assistance,” Alba said in Filipino.
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s situational report on Wednesday, the combined effects of Pepito, Super Typhoon Ofel (international name: Usagi) and Typhoon Nika (Toraji) caused P1,549,792,274.36 in damage to infrastructure.
READ: NDRRMC: Over 1.8 million Pinoys impacted by Pepito, 2 earlier typhoons
Pepito, Ofel and Nika struck the country’s landmass in succession this November.
Pepito, the most recent, made landfall in Panganiban, Catanduanes on Nov. 16 evening, hitting the island province with winds of up to 195 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 240 kph.