Army, police on alert as Typhoon Tino lashes Visayas

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Personnel from the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division and Police Regional Office 6 (PRO6) were placed on heightened alert starting Nov. 3 due to the projected effects of Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi) in Western Visayas.

In a statement, the 3rd Infantry Division said it has activated its Disaster Response Task Units (DRTUs) across Western and Central Visayas, including the Negros Island Region.

DRTUs stationed at the 3rd ID headquarters in Camp Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz; the 301st Infantry Brigade in Camp Hernandez, Barangay San Matias, Dingle, Iloilo; the 302nd Infantry Brigade in Camp Leon Kilat, Sta. Cruz Viejo, Tanjay City, Negros Oriental; and the 303rd Infantry Brigade in Camp Gerona, Barangay Minoyan, Murcia, Negros Occidental, along with all subordinate battalions, are on standby for immediate response.

Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, 3rd ID commander, said the units are fully equipped and prepared to carry out humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations in close coordination with local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (DRRMOs).

“Their mission includes rescue operations, relief distribution, evacuation support, and other emergency services to ensure the safety and welfare of communities in the typhoon’s path,” Samson said.

He emphasized that public safety remains a core commitment of the division.

“Our troops are ready to respond to any situation that may arise due to Typhoon Tino,” he added.

“We are in close coordination with local disaster management offices to guarantee prompt and efficient delivery of humanitarian assistance wherever it is required.”

Samson also urged the public to remain vigilant and to follow official advisories.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Josefino Ligan, Western Visayas police chief, said they have activated Search and Rescue Teams (SRTs) from the regional headquarters down to provincial, city, and municipal police stations.

He said a Reactionary Standby Support Force has also been mobilized to complement the SRTs.

Col. Kim Legada, Iloilo City police chief, said they have directed all personnel to be ready to respond to emergencies.

He added that equipment has been prepositioned in anticipation of the need to assist affected communities.

Legada said the city police have coordinated with the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) to implement preemptive safety measures.

“We want to assure the public that your police force is fully prepared to provide timely assistance, respond to emergencies, and maintain peace and order during such disasters,” Legada said.

ICPO personnel, particularly the Search and Rescue (SAR) teams from both stations and headquarters, are on standby for rescue operations and traffic management.

Police have also begun disseminating safety advisories, especially in flood-prone areas.

Mobile patrol units have been instructed to monitor key locations and respond immediately to emergency calls.

The Iloilo City Police Office urges the public to stay alert, follow official weather updates, and report emergencies through 911, the ICPO hotline at 0908-377-0194 or (033) 335-0299, or by visiting the nearest police station.