Philippine National Police acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Nartatez Jr. (PNA file photo)
Philippine National Police (PNP) acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Nartatez Jr. assured the public on Saturday that the police force is fully prepared for the possible impact of Typhoon Nando, especially in Northern Luzon.
In a statement, Nartatez ordered local police units to mobilize personnel and assets for disaster response and finalize contingency measures in coordination with local governments and disaster councils.
“The entire police force is ready for the possible effects of Typhoon Nando. PAGASA has already warned that it may intensify into a super typhoon, which is why we have directed our units to remain alert and prioritize the safety of our people,” he said in Filipino.
The directive comes after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. instructed government agencies to heighten preparedness and safeguard communities ahead of the storm.
Police commanders were told to assist in mandatory evacuations of residents in coastal, flood-prone, and landslide-prone areas, and to maintain close coordination with disaster response teams.
The weather bureau earlier warned that Nando could strengthen into a super typhoon by Monday, with Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals Nos. 4 and 5 possibly raised over Batanes and the Babuyan Islands.
Nartatez urged the public to remain vigilant and follow the advisories of local governments and disaster officials to ensure their safety.
