Over 300 police personnel affected by typhoons in Negros

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – More than 300 personnel of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) were affected by Typhoon Tino and Super Typhoon Uwan in the province.

Police Capt. Judesses Catalogo, Nocppo spokesperson, said the officers suffered totally and partially damaged houses.

Catalogo said they are still consolidating data, and the number may increase as the assessment continues.

He added that affected officers were advised to send photos of their situation for further validation.

Catalogo said they will request financial assistance from the national headquarters for the affected personnel.

“Though the amount is not that big, it can help them in a way to rebuild their homes,” he added.

Aside from the officers, some non-uniformed personnel were also displaced by the typhoons.

All personnel involved in disaster response were accounted for, according to Catalogo.

Meanwhile, Catalogo said some police stations in the province are still experiencing power interruptions due to the devastation caused by the typhoons.

These stations are located in Toboso, Escalante City, Calatrava, Binalbagan, La Carlota City, Pulupandan, Moises Padilla, La Castellana, Bago City, Don Salvador Benedicto, and the 2nd Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company.

Catalogo said police officers are currently having difficulty communicating and submitting reports due to the lack of both electricity and mobile signal.

However, he added that Police Col. Dennis Wenceslao, Nocppo director, has ordered that despite the lack of power and signal, these challenges should not hinder the continuous delivery of public service to the people.