Manila: Philippine National Police (PNP) acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Nartatez Jr. on Saturday assured the public that the police force is fully prepared for the possible impact of Typhoon Nando, particularly in Northern Luzon.
According to Philippines News Agency, Nartatez directed local police units to ensure sufficient deployment of personnel and assets for disaster response. Police offices in areas likely to be affected by the typhoon are finalizing contingency plans.
“The entire police force is ready for the possible effects of Typhoon Nando. PAGASA has issued a notice that Nando may become a super typhoon, that is why we have ordered our police to be ready and alert, and to ensure the safety of our countrymen,” he said in Filipino.
Nartatez’s directive followed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s instruction to various government agencies to safeguard communities ahead of the storm. Police commanders were directed to coordinate with local governments and disaster response councils for unified safety measures. This includes police assistance in mandatory evacuations of residents in coastal, flood-prone, and landslide-prone areas.
The weather bureau earlier warned that Nando may intensify into a super typhoon by Monday. Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals Nos. 4 and 5 could be raised over Batanes and the Babuyan Islands. Nartatez urged the public to heed advisories from local governments and disaster officials for their safety.