PNP spy chief denies breakdown of intel in ‘Yolanda’ aftermath

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Intelligence Group of the Philippine National Police defended Wednesday that the lack of information dissemination in the wake of Supertyphoon “Yolanda” was not due to a “break down” of police intelligence.

PNP IG director Abelardo Villacorta said that although the unprecedented devastation of Yolanda required the attention of the group, the issue primarily needs government’s “full approach.”

This was Villacorta’s response to the queries of National Police Commission vice chairman Eduardo Escueta, in a command conference at Camp Crame in Quezon City, noting that IG must have “a special focus” on calamities similar to Yolanda.

Saying that the IG’s main problem was the public’s lack of appreciation of information, Villacorta said the group is boosting its coordination and communication with people on the ground.

He said that the police intelligence group will include in its alignment disaster preparedness, saying they need to study the topography of areas vulnerable to natural disasters.

“It is part of the Intelligence’ task to find out the terrain of a particular area, provinces or regions so we can move people from low-lying areas (ahead of the disaster),” he added.

In turn, Villacorta said, it is the government’s task to secure shelters, either above or under ground, in order to prevent massive displacement and deaths in future calamities.