(File photo)
MANILA – The Eastern Police District (EPD) is eyeing to build a command post in the eastern portion of Metro Manila to facilitate its disaster response missions.
EPD director, Brig. Gen. Matthew Baccay, said the purpose of the command post is to coordinate response before, during, and after a typhoon hits their area of jurisdiction that includes the cities of San Juan, Pasig, Mandaluyong, and Marikina.
"The command center will take all the reports on where the most affected areas are and what kind of help or rescue they need," Baccay said in Filipino during a phone interview Monday.
He added that he already met with Marikina Mayor Marcy Teodoro last week where they discussed efforts to improve disaster preparedness and response.
He said relief operations will be expedited as there will be better coordination and communications with affected communities once the command center is activated.
He added that once the proposal is completed, this will be presented to other mayors in Eastern Metro Manila.
Aside from the command post, local legislation for the funding on the disaster response was discussed.
"Local governments, they can produce their funding, they can appropriate so their role is very crucial," Baccay said.
Preparedness, he said, is needed to prevent huge casualties on lives and properties in wake of typhoons and other calamities.
Marikina was among areas that were badly hit by flooding caused by heavy rains from Typhoon Ulysses last Nov. 12.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Navy (PN) announced landing dock BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-601) left Manila South Harbor last December 5 to transport 76 tons of consolidated relief goods for typhoon-battered Cagayan.
PN public affairs office chief Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas said BRP Davao Del Sur is commanded by Commander Elmer Toriado.
She added that the 76 tons of assorted relief goods the ship is transporting were donated by various personalities, non-government organizations, and government.
"Said mission is spearheaded by the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) and the Civil-Military Operations Group of the Philippine Navy (CMOG-PN)," Roxas said.
The PN, she said, will continue to deploy all available assets in support of relief and rehabilitation efforts intended for the populace gravely affected by the recent calamities. (with reports from Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)
