Davao regional police head orders units to brace for ‘Ompong’

DAVAO CITY – The chief of the Police Regional Office 11 (Davao) has directed all police offices and units to stay on alert and activate police preparedness and response plan for the possible effects of Typhoon Ompong that may also bring heavy rains to the region.

Police Chief Supt. Marcelo Morales said PRO-11 has activated its Incident Management Task Group, an updated and enhanced pro-active plan of action of the Philippine National Police on disaster preparedness and response management in support of other concerned agencies.

Morales said the effects of heavy rains, such as landslides and flooding, should not be discounted, and that the police force remains crucial to any disaster response operation.

He said all police commanders in the region have been directed to conduct preparation to ensure the readiness of the police force and to ensure that all rubber boats, life vests, and other Search, Rescue and Retrieval Operations Equipment are serviceable.

“We have on standby 50 personnel from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion and Medical Responders composed of doctors and nurses ready to be deployed anytime to affected areas in northern and southern Luzon and some part of Visayas region,” Morales said.

He also asked personnel to check personal clothing, food, and water, medicine, flashlights, whistles, and toiletries.

Chief Insp. Milgrace Driz, PRO-11 spokesperson, said all police commanders, directorial staff and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion were convened on Thursday evening to make sure all logistical needs for response are already pre-positioned.

Driz said Oplan "Saklolo" defines the support strategy, operational concept, and scheme of implementation to accomplish the PNP's support mission in times of disaster and calamity situations.

Morales said he has directed all police commanders and units not to let their guard down on security operations as criminals and terrorists might take advantage of the situation.

“We will continue our efforts in peace and order, prevent and control crimes of looting, robbery, and other similar crimes,” he added.

Morales said he has coordinated with other government agencies, the local government units (LGUs), and the local disaster risk reduction and management units for possible forced evacuation in high-risk communities.

He also urged the public to heed the call of government agencies if there is a need to evacuate to safe places. (PNA)