Nocppo deploys 248 SAR contingents for ‘Agaton’

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) here has activated Search and Rescue (SAR) teams on Tuesday as moderate to heavy rains brought about by Tropical Depression “Agaton” continues to affect the province.

Police Lieutenant Abegael Donasco, public information officer of Nocppo, said that a total of 248 personnel composed of 8-man Search and Rescue (SAR) Teams from city and municipal police stations in the province will be deployed.

As of Tuesday, 33 SAR personnel were already deployed and conducted rescue operations to families and individuals affected by flooding.

Eight officers from police stations in Silay City, 8 in Talisay City, 10 in Sagay City, and 7 in E.B. Magalona town waded in flood waters to rescue the affected individuals and families and bring them to safety in evacuation centers.

Reactionary Standby Support Force (RSSF) composed of 124 personnel were on alert and ready to provide augmentation to the stations.

Police Colonel Leo Pamittan, acting director of Nocppo, also directed the activation of the Disaster Incident Management Task Group (DIMTG)-Nocppo which will monitor the situation and direct the deployment of troops.

As part of the activation of the task group of the provincial police force, a Tactical Operations Center (TOC) was established which will coordinate with the Provincial Disaster Management Program Division (PDMPD).

Pamittan urged residents especially those living in low lying areas which are at risk for flooding and landslide prone areas to evacuate for their safety.