PNP chief Lt. Gen. Melencio Nartatez Jr.
By Tracy Cabrera
AS the country braces for the possible impact of tropical storm Fung-Wong (to be locally named Uwan), the Philippine National Police (PNP) has assured the public that it is fully prepared to assist in evacuation and rescue efforts, especially in areas expected to be hardest hit over the weekend.
Following the directive of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. and the guidance of interior and local government secretary Juanito Victor ‘Jonvic’ Remulla Jr., the national police force is already working closely with local government units (LGUs) and disaster response agencies to ensure the safety and security of communities.
In this regard, acting PNP chief Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has placed all police units nationwide on full alert and instructed them to support local authorities in carrying out preemptive and mandatory evacuations.
Nartatez disclosed that police personnel across the country have began coordinating with LGUs and disaster response teams to ensure that families in high-risk areas can move swiftly to safer locations as early as possible. The PNP, he said, will be on the ground to help manage evacuations, secure vital facilities, and maintain peace and order throughout the duration of the typhoon.
The Chief PNP likewise cited that particular attention is being given to Northern and Central Luzon, which are projected to experience heavy rains and strong winds once Uwan makes landfall.
Police disaster response teams have been activated across all regions, with coordination lines established with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). These teams are monitoring weather developments, preparing for possible rescue operations and securing communities vulnerable to flooding and landslides.
In ending, Nartatez reminded the public to remain calm, follow the advisories of local officials and take evacuation orders seriously even as police personnel will continue to provide assistance and maintain order in areas that will affected so public safety will be ensured.
“As the storm approaches, we call for unity, vigilance, and cooperation among the public. We urge our citizens to rely only on official updates from PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) and other authorized government agencies to avoid misinformation and panic,” he advised in conclusion while reaffirming the PNP’s commitment to serve and protect and noting that readiness and discipline remain key to minimizing the storm’s impact.
