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NCRPO, PCSO aid almost 2K evacuees hit by Taal eruption

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan

January 17, 2020, 12:16 pm

<p><strong>HELPING HAND.</strong> Police officers from Metro Manila distribute relief packs to evacuees at the Paaralang Central ng North Sto. Tomas in Sto. Tomas, Batangas on Wednesday (Jan. 15, 2020). The relief packs include food items and blankets. <em>(Photo courtesy of NCRPO PIO)</em></p>

HELPING HAND. Police officers from Metro Manila distribute relief packs to evacuees at the Paaralang Central ng North Sto. Tomas in Sto. Tomas, Batangas on Wednesday (Jan. 15, 2020). The relief packs include food items and blankets. (Photo courtesy of NCRPO PIO)

MANILA -- The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) have extended assistance to nearly 2,000 residents of Batangas who were affected by the eruption of Taal Volcano.

In a statement on Thursday, NCRPO acting chief, Brig. Gen. Debold Sinas, said Metro Manila police initiated the medical mission and distribution of relief goods to a total of 1,860 victims taking shelter at the Paaralang Central ng North Sto. Tomas in Sto. Tomas town, Batangas province on Wednesday.

Sinas said majority of these evacuees were rescued by NCRPO personnel.

He added that medical consultation, dental check-ups, and medicines were provided to 756 patients.

Some 150 NCRPO personnel distributed 1,620 diapers, 1,500 hygiene kits, 800 pieces of sanitary napkin, and 200 N95 face masks, as well as 1,000 blankets and 1,000 food packs containing, rice, cup noodles, bottled mineral water, and biscuits.

They also held a three-hour show to entertain the evacuees.

"The evacuees enjoyed the music and songs of the NCRPO Combo," Sinas said.

The NCRPO coordinated with the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters and doctors of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and Manila City Hospital for Wednesday's activity.

The NCRPO will also conduct a medical mission and distribute food packs in Rosario, Batangas on January 19.

Meanwhile, PCSO General Manager Royina Marzan-Garma said they distributed 1,500 packs of rice, noodles, sardines, biscuits, instant chocolate drink, milk, and coffee to the evacuees during the same occasion.

The office also provided PHP150,000 worth of medicines during medical missions in Sto. Tomas and Bauan towns in Batangas.

Garma said PCSO personnel also proceeded to the Bauan Technological High School and at the Relief Operations Center of Agoncillo town to distribute relief goods.

She noted that PCSO would provide financial assistance to local government units (LGUs) affected by the disaster but was still determining the amount and which LGUs would receive the aid.

Affected so far are the towns of Agoncillo, Alitagtag, Balete, Cuenca, Laurel, Lemery, Mataas na Kahoy, San Nicolas, Sta. Teresita, Taal, Talisay, and Tanauan City, all in Batangas. (PNA)

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