The Philippine National Police (PNP), under the leadership of Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., has ordered necessary preparations for possible lahar flows and other public-safety problems for residents near the Mayon Volcano due to potential heavy rains from Tropical Storm “Caloy.”
PGEN Nartatez said police units in the Bicol Region were directed to closely coordinate with the local government units for strategic and unified disaster response that include possible preemptive evacuation as authorities prepare for torrential rains that could trigger hazardous lahar flows in vulnerable communities.
“We are in constant coordination with various government agencies to provide all the assistance in the interest of public safety. We are prioritizing the safety of residents and ensuring access routes remain passable for emergency response,” said PGEN Nartatez.
The Office of Civil Defense earlier raised concern over possible lahar flows due to the threat of Caloy, which entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Saturday evening.
It warned that continuous and heavy rainfall over Mayon’s slopes could mobilize volcanic debris and endanger low-lying communities.
PGEN Nartatez said police personnel have been placed on standby for evacuation support and road-clearing operations in coordination with local government units and disaster risk reduction offices in line with the instruction of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. and DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
“Our personnel are coordinating closely with local disaster risk reduction and management offices in the Bicol Region. The lahar threat is very imminent due to the rains associated with the tropical storm. We are fully prepared to assist in preemptive evacuation and clearing operations,” he added.
Authorities have repeatedly warned that lahar flows remain one of the most dangerous secondary hazards of Mayon Volcano during heavy rainfall events as fast-moving mudflows damaged infrastructure and displaced residents during past typhoons.
PGEN Nartatez also directed police units to ensure readiness of vehicles and equipment for rapid deployment. He said the PNP will support local governments in maintaining open evacuation routes and assisting residents in high-risk areas.
“The PNP urges the public to follow the advisories and instructions of authorities for their own safety. We ask everyone to remain alert and cooperative, especially those living near river channels and volcanic slopes that are prone to lahar flows,” he said.