PRO-NIR boosts rainy season disaster response

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Police Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño, acting regional director of the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region, has directed all police offices, police stations, and regional support units to intensify disaster response preparations for the rainy season to help keep communities safe.

The directive follows guidance from Philippine National Police headquarters to ensure the operational readiness of police units, particularly search and rescue equipment, rescue boats, police vehicles, and other emergency response assets.

It also includes ensuring the availability of trained personnel for immediate deployment during emergencies.

“Our responsibility is not only to respond when disasters occur but to prepare long before they happen,” Cardiño said.

Cardiño stressed that preparedness remains the cornerstone of disaster response.

He instructed personnel to continuously monitor weather advisories and implement proactive measures to reduce the impact of heavy rains, flooding, landslides, and other weather-related emergencies.

Units were also instructed to conduct forward logistics planning to ensure adequate fuel, supplies, communication equipment, and other logistical requirements for disaster response operations.

The preparations include assessing police stations and offices vulnerable to flooding, landslides, and similar hazards.

Police units were also directed to implement measures to safeguard personnel, government-issued equipment, and critical resources.

On Friday, a regular inspection was conducted to ensure that all equipment was complete, serviceable, and ready for deployment at a moment’s notice.

Cardiño also directed police units to strengthen coordination with local government units, the Office of Civil Defense, and other disaster response agencies to facilitate a unified and effective emergency response.

He said coordination is necessary to ensure uninterrupted police services throughout the rainy season.

Cardiño encouraged the public to remain vigilant, monitor official weather advisories, avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather, and immediately contact the 911 emergency hotline or the nearest police station for emergencies requiring police assistance.