The Philippine National Police (PNP) has placed all units on heightened alert following flooding incidents in parts of Luzon and Mindanao caused by days of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.
PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered regional and local police units to activate disaster response teams and deploy resources to assist communities affected by rising floodwaters.
“We assure all our kababayan that your police will be present at a time when you need us. We have already mobilized our teams to help, in coordination with the local government units and other agencies,” Nartatez said.
Several areas in Quezon City experienced flooding in recent days due to frequent thunderstorms, even as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) clarified that the country has yet to officially enter the rainy season.
In Davao City, flooding was reported Monday morning, prompting local authorities to order the forced evacuation of residents in Barangay Matina Pangi after water levels rose in low-lying communities.
The PNP said police personnel have been directed to closely coordinate with barangay officials, local government units, and rescue agencies, particularly in identifying flood-prone areas that may require preemptive evacuations.
Authorities were also instructed to support rescue and relief operations to prevent casualties and maintain order in affected communities, in line with the directives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla.
Nartatez urged the public to remain vigilant and follow official weather advisories and evacuation instructions issued by authorities.
He emphasized that early compliance with evacuation orders remains critical in ensuring public safety during severe weather conditions.