Rapid Police Deployment Provides Reassurance in Cebu and Davao
The aftermath of back-to-back earthquakes in the Philippines—Cebu’s magnitude 6.9 tremor on September 30 and Davao Oriental’s magnitude 7.4 quake on October 10—has highlighted the crucial role of police in disaster response. Acting Police Chief Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. praised thousands of officers who immediately responded and continued to assist those affected, saying their work helped reassure residents that the government remains in control during a period of upheaval.
“The visible presence of our police officers on the ground has been crucial in assuring the public that the government is in full control. The PNP immediately responded to protect lives, maintain peace and order, and support local disaster response operations,” Nartatez stated. He added that the readiness and unity shown by police in Mindanao reflects the direction the organization seeks to take.
Calming Public Fears: A Calm, Coordinated Response
In the wake of the quakes, the PNP’s ongoing presence in affected communities has been credited with calming fears and restoring a sense of order. The force’s proactive approach includes protection of civilians, swift evacuation support when needed, and coordination with local disaster response teams to prevent panic and ensure essential needs are met.
Regional operations centers reported that in Davao Region, the Police Regional Office 11 (PRO-11) was placed on red alert after the magnitude 7.4 event and a 6.8 aftershock, reflecting a decision to heighten readiness in anticipation of further tremors and aftercare needs. In Caraga, PRO-13 conducted on-site inspections and damage assessments following a 6.0-magnitude quake in Surigao del Sur, demonstrating a hands-on approach to disaster assessment.
Across the Islands: Preparedness in Numbers
Beyond Mindanao, police stations in the Bicol region and Negros were placed on heightened alert due to volcanic unrest involving Bulusan and Kanlaon. Officers from PRO-5 and the Negros Island Region Police Regional Office were prepositioned to assist with evacuations and to prevent panic in nearby communities, underscoring a nationwide, scalable disaster response capability.
Nartatez emphasized that the PNP’s disaster response framework includes standing contingency plans and trained disaster response teams, ensuring an agile and coordinated operation even when crises occur simultaneously across different regions.
A Unified Stance on Public Safety
As authorities continue to monitor aftershocks, lava movements, and potential secondary hazards, the PNP’s role is not limited to enforcement. The force is actively involved in safeguarding lives, assisting shelter operations, and maintaining order in shelters and public spaces. This integrated approach helps communities focus on recovery with the assurance that public safety remains a national priority.
“The PNP is fully prepared to respond to multiple disaster incidents. We have standing contingency plans and disaster response protocols through our disaster response teams,” Nartatez said. “We assure the public that the PNP remains proactive and ready to extend all necessary support to ensure safety and security in every affected community.”
