PNP deploys for Inday relief operations

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has mobilized to assist in ongoing rehabilitation and recovery operations following Typhoon Inday (international name: Bavi), having previously been placed on heightened alert for immediate deployment.

“Your PNP has been present as early as in the preparation stage and will continue to remain active as the focus shifts to search and rescue, road-clearing, relief distribution and other disaster response,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement on Sunday.

READ: Habagat to drench PH as typhoon exits – Pagasa

As communities recover from the typhoon and heavy monsoon rains, Nartatez said the PNP has pivoted to humanitarian assistance, directing all units to maximize ground personnel and resources for immediate disaster response in hard-hit areas.

READ: NDRRMC: 17 dead, 514,700 affected by Inday, habagat

Nartatez ordered police units to assist local government units in clearing roads blocked by floods, landslides and debris, ensuring the unhampered and swift delivery of relief goods.

Road-clearing operations are crucial to reopening major roads, reconnecting isolated areas and allowing emergency responders to reach affected residents without delay, he added. —PNA