Police Regional Office 3 (Central Luzon) officials inspect disaster response equipment at Camp Captain Julian Olivas in San Fernando, Pampanga on Saturday (Nov. 8, 2025). The inspection was done ahead of Typhoon Uwan’s expected landfall to ensure readiness for rescue, relief, and evacuation operations across Central Luzon. (Photo from PRO-3)
SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – The Police Regional Office in Central Luzon (PRO-3) and the provincial government of Aurora have respectively intensified their preparedness measures as they brace for the possible impact of Typhoon Uwan.
The PRO-3 on Saturday conducted a comprehensive inspection of disaster response equipment at their parade grounds in Camp Captain Julian Olivas. The exercise, led by Regional Police Director, Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr., aimed to ensure that all search and rescue (SAR) assets, mobility equipment, and communication tools are fully operational and ready for immediate deployment.
During the inspection, PRO-3 personnel checked vital resources, including rescue boats, life vests, chainsaws, generators, floodlights, first-aid kits, and radios – all essential for effective humanitarian assistance and emergency operations across Central Luzon.
“Preparedness is not just a routine. It is part of our service to the people. Every piece of equipment represents our commitment to respond swiftly and effectively, especially when lives are at stake,” Peñones said.
He instructed all provincial and city directors to coordinate closely with their respective local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (DRRMOs), inspect their equipment, and ensure that all response units are deployable at a moment’s notice.
He also emphasized the importance of activating Risk Reduction Management Task Groups, safeguarding personnel families, maintaining strong coordination with LGUs, DRRDMOs, and other agencies, and preparing for rescue, relief, and evacuation operations as needed.
“Managing risk begins with readiness. From leadership decisions to field response, preparedness must be consistent. When we anticipate, we save,” Peñones said.
Also on Saturday, the Aurora Police Provincial Office (PPO) joined the simultaneous inspection of SAR equipment and Reactionary Standby Support Force (RSSF) personnel.
The inspection, initiated by the PRO-3, was conducted virtually via Zoom, allowing for the simultaneous evaluation of provincial and city police offices across Central Luzon.
The activity aimed to ensure that all SAR equipment is functional, properly inventoried, and ready for deployment in case of emergencies, while also assessing the operational readiness and responsiveness of police personnel in disaster and crisis situations.
The PPO said its personnel and equipment are on standby and fully prepared to coordinate with the Provincial DRRMO and other agencies to protect lives and properties.
Risk assessment
Meanwhile, Aurora’s provincial government held a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) Scenario Building and Preparations Meeting at the Provincial DRRM Emergency Operations Center in Barangay Suklayin in Baler on Friday.
Representatives of various national and local government agencies were also present to coordinate and strategize rapid response measures should the storm affect the province.
The meeting aimed to identify potential scenarios and impacts once the tropical cyclone enters the country’s monitoring zone, including areas at risk of heavy rainfall, flooding, landslides, and storm surges. Preemptive evacuation plans were also discussed, particularly for coastal and low-lying communities.
At the meeting, Governor Isidro Galban assured the public that the provincial government is fully prepared and is closely coordinating with local government units (LGUs) to ensure the safety of residents.
“The safety of every Auroreno is our top priority. We will do everything necessary to prevent damage and save lives,” he said.
Galban has already ordered the temporary suspension of tourism activities in coastal areas as part of preventive safety measures. All government assets and response units have been prepositioned to ensure swift deployment in case weather conditions worsen.
Provincial Board Member Sheenalyn Tablang, committee chair on Risk Reduction and Management and Relief Operations, meanwhile, underscored the need for compassion, cooperation, and shared responsibility amid the threat of natural disasters.
“Preparedness is not only the duty of the government but of every family. I urge our fellow Auroreneos to heed official advisories, cooperate with their barangay leaders, and evacuate early if needed. Every life in Aurora matters,” she said.
The PDRA meeting also tackled the mobilization of rescue teams, prepositioning of relief goods and medical supplies, and the standby of critical equipment, including rubber boats, rescue vehicles, chainsaws, trucks, generator sets, and communication equipment. (PNA)
