The Puerto Princesa City Police Office (PPCPO) has been continuously mobilizing its personnel to ensure public safety since the onset of heavy rains and strong winds caused by the enhanced southwest monsoon, or habagat.
Based on the latest Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) report as of 8 a.m., Palawan is under heavy rainfall warning as the southwest monsoon continues to affect it.
PAGASA has raised an Orange Warning Level over the Kalayaan Islands, Puerto Princesa City, Aborlan, Quezon, and Narra, warning of potential flooding in low-lying areas and the threat of landslides in hilly areas, while a Yellow Warning Level has been issued for Sofronio Española, Brooke’s Point, Rizal, Bataraza, Balabac, and Cagayancillo, indicating possible flooding and landslides.
City police spokesperson Captain Bryan Rayoso said they are prioritizing their response in low-lying and flood-prone barangays. Officers have been deployed to assist in disaster management, secure evacuation sites, manage traffic, and carry out rescue operations where necessary.
“Since Saturday (September 14) po may deployment na tayo hanggang ngayon. Di lang makapagbigay ng exact figure kung ilang personnel ang nadedeploy kasi continue pa rin ang deployment, lalo na sa area ng Police Stations 4 at 5, dahil itong mga area nila ang mas affected,” Rayoso said.
“Personnel are mostly rendering evacuation ng mga affected families and providing patrolling and security sa mga evacuation center,” he added.
Rayoso stated that the PPCPO is working closely with the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) and barangay officials to ensure an efficient and timely response to emergencies.
He said Colonel Ronie Bacuel, the PPCPO director, is urging city residents to stay alert, follow local authorities’ guidelines, and evacuate if necessary to ensure their families’ safety from the floods.
