Philippine National Police personnel assist in road-clearing operations in Pola and Socorro towns, Oriental Mindoro on Saturday (Sept. 27, 2025). They also visited evacuation centers to provide security for displaced residents. (Photo courtesy of PNP)
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Saturday announced that its personnel are actively engaged in road-clearing operations and relief assistance in communities devastated by Typhoon Opong, particularly in the Bicol Region.
PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed all police commanders to assess damage, ensure the safety of stations and assets, and deliver immediate support to affected areas.
“Road clearing is essential to allow the swift delivery of relief supplies to our kababayan severely affected by this calamity. They need immediate help, and government assistance must not be delayed,” Nartatez emphasized.
The PNP is closely coordinating with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the transport and security of aid while also safeguarding evacuation centers sheltering thousands of displaced families.
Initial government figures showed that more than 165,000 families, or over 580,000 individuals, were evacuated as part of precautionary measures ordered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
The PNP Sub-Committee on Natural Disaster reported that 7,554 police officers remain deployed in affected regions, supported by 11,118 personnel from the Reactionary Standby Support Force. Police teams have so far carried out 47 search, rescue, and retrieval operations, saving 6,627 individuals, alongside 27 relief missions that reached nearly 2,000 beneficiaries in Regions 6 (Western Visayas), 7 (Central Visayas), 8 (Eastern Visayas), and 13 (Caraga).
Damage assessments recorded 477 flooded villages, 52 impassable roads, and 12 damaged bridges. While no casualties were reported among police personnel, 30 uniformed and five civilian staff were affected, along with three police facilities that sustained damage.
“Even as Typhoon Opong moves away, our mission is not over. We remain on the ground to help communities recover, restore order, and ensure every family receives the assistance they need,” Nartatez assured.