As Tropical Depression “Kiyapo” continues to dump heavy rains across the country, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has shifted into full disaster response mode, deploying hundreds of officers while placing thousands more on standby as worsening weather threatens more communities.
With the storm strengthened by the southwest monsoon, authorities are racing against time to protect lives and secure vulnerable areas as flooding, evacuations, and class suspensions spread across multiple regions.
Following orders from PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., police units nationwide have intensified coordination with local government units, disaster risk reduction councils, and other government agencies in support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s whole-of-government emergency response strategy.
The PNP reported that 294 police personnel have already been deployed to carry out critical operations, including securing evacuation centers, protecting vital government facilities, monitoring flood-prone communities, and assisting in road-clearing efforts.
Meanwhile, a formidable 2,390-member Reactionary Standby Support Force (RSSF) remains on high alert, ready for rapid deployment should conditions deteriorate further.
Authorities said police regional offices are maintaining round-the-clock monitoring in areas affected by heavy rainfall and those placed under tropical cyclone wind signals, ensuring that emergency response teams can immediately assist residents if needed.
The latest situation report shows that 1,303 families, or 4,349 individuals, have already sought shelter in 14 active evacuation centers as relentless rains continue to threaten low-lying communities. Several local governments have also suspended classes as a precaution against possible flooding and landslides.
Despite the challenging weather conditions, the PNP said there have been no reported casualties, no major peace and order incidents, and no damage to police facilities as of the latest monitoring.
“Our personnel are on the ground and prepared to respond wherever they are needed,” Nartatez said, emphasizing that police officers remain on heightened alert to help protect communities throughout the storm.
The PNP chief also reminded Filipinos to closely monitor official weather bulletins and strictly follow evacuation orders whenever necessary.
He stressed that listening to advisories from PAGASA and local government officials, coupled with early preparation and community cooperation, remains the most effective way to minimize the storm’s impact.
As “Kiyapo” continues its path across the country, the PNP said it will sustain heightened disaster operations while ensuring that peace and public order are maintained, underscoring its commitment to providing fast, reliable, and responsive public service even during emergencies.