PNP evacuates more than 300,000 people during Kristine’s onslaught

KRISTINE’S AFTERMATH / Policemen and residents hold a retrieval operation on October 25, 2024  after some residents were buried in a landslide due of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine in Purok 4B, Barangay Sampaloc, Talisay, Batangas. (INQUIRER PHOTO / RICHARD A. REYES)

MANILA, Philippines — Over 300,000 individuals were evacuated nationwide by the Philippine National Police (PNP) during the height of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami).

The PNP said more than 4,000 officers were dispatched to flood-hit areas to help the affected communities.

READ: Leon enters PAR; Signal No. 1 may be raised by Sunday

“The relentless efforts of PNP personnel have so far resulted in the safe evacuation of more than 300,000 individuals to temporary shelters,” the police organization said in a statement on Sunday.

“Ongoing operations continue to focus on distributing relief goods and providing medical assistance to communities in need,” it added.

The PNP deployed disaster response units in the Bicol and Eastern Visayas regions, which were the places most affected by Kristine.

It added that law enforcers also coordinated with local authorities in Bacoor, Cavite where teams rescued residents trapped in rising floodwaters.

The police sent condolences to the families who lost members in the landslides in Batangas.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in this tragedy. The entire PNP stands with you during this difficult time,” PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil said.

“Each act of heroism by our police officers brings hope to those in danger. They are more than just peacekeepers; they are the lifeline for our fellow Filipinos in times of crisis,” he noted.

Kristine already exited the country’s area of responsibility over the weekend.

Currently, the state weather bureau is monitoring Tropical Storm Leon (international name: Kong-rey). It is expected to remain far from the Philippine landmass.

No wind signal was raised in any parts of the country.

However, Leon may affect Extreme Northern Luzon.

Signal No. 1 may also be hoisted over Cagayan Valley and the northeastern portion of the Bicol Region on Sunday night.

Leon was last monitored 1,195 kilometers east of Central Luzon.