PNP activates disaster center as Mina intensifies

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine National Police activated on Friday its disaster center as Typhoon Mina (international codename: Nanmadol) gains strength as it moves northwest.

The National Disaster Operation Center (NDOC) will serve as the PNP’s monitoring center that will help in disaster risk reduction, and search and rescue operations, said Police Community Relations Director Rommel Heredia.

The NDOC will coordinate with the National Risk Reduction Management Center on the developments and updates on the typhoon, said Heredia.

Police personnel and equipment—including trucks and rubber boats—will also be deployed, Heredia said.

The PNP will be in close coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Office of Civil Defense, Heredia said.

Chief of Directorial Staff Police Deputy Director General Nicanor Bartolome said he already sent instructions to all police regional offices in Northern Luzon as well as the National Capital Region Police Office to gear up for the onslaught of typhoon.

“We are ready to help, our personnel and resources are on standby 24 hours,” Bartolome said.

The typhoon will be monitored by the PNP Sub Committee on Disaster Management, he said.

Danica Hermogenes