ODETTE'S FURY. File photo shows the destruction caused by the onslaught of Typhoon Odette on the municipal hall of Bindoy, Negros Oriental. Philippine National Police chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos, on Sunday (Dec. 26, 2021) said the PNP is ready to assist local government units and government agencies in distributing cash assistance in areas hit by the strong typhoon. (Photo courtesy of Cil Flores)
MANILA – Gen. Dionardo Carlos, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, on Sunday said the PNP is ready to assist local government units (LGUs) and concerned government agencies in distributing cash assistance in areas hit by Typhoon Odette.
He said the PNP units are awaiting further instructions and coordination with concerned government agencies for smooth implementation of the aid program.
“The PNP will always be ready to serve in any way we can. But since there are no specific instructions as of now, we will just wait for any mandate,” Carlos said in a statement.
President Rodrigo Duterte has tasked Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año to supervise the distribution of cash aid in urban centers while the military was tasked to manage aid distribution in hard-to-reach areas.
Carlos said the PNP continues to assist in the transport and security of relief goods for the calamity victims and this will serve as the benchmark of the PNP whenever police personnel will be asked to help in the distribution of cash aid.
The police chief on Saturday flew to Limasawa, San Francisco and Maasin City in Southern Leyte for the conduct of relief operations in these areas.
"We are conducting Ops: Christmas Drop 2021 for the victims of Typhoon Odette. This operation will run simultaneously until Dec. 31, 2021 in all areas affected by Typhoon Odette, and to immediately operationalize the instructions of PRRD in Cebu last Dec. 23," Carlos said in a message sent to the Philippine News Agency.
He noted of the absence of power supply and the crowding of people in relief distribution sites as challenges being encountered by authorities. "These may somehow delay the distribution because we want to make sure that there is peace and order. With this, the PNP shall make it a protocol to coordinate with the LGUs or concerned government agencies to determine the orderly system of distribution,” he said.
Meanwhile, Carlos ordered all police offices and units to prepare and ensure the orderly conduct of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccination for children aged 5 to 11 in January.
“This will be crucial since we are dealing with the younger segment of the population but the PNP has already a template in place,” he said, noting that many vaccination drives have proven the capability of the PNP personnel in securing the different venues.
Carlos also assured the availability of trained vaccinators from the PNP Medical Reserve Force who have served in earlier government vaccination programs.
“We remind the parents or guardians who shall accompany the children to always be watchful and be an example in following the minimum public health standards,” he said. (PNA)
