Prompt Response by the PNP Brings Calm in Cebu and Davao After Major Quakes
Following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Cebu on September 30 and the magnitude 7.4 tremor in Davao Oriental on October 10, the Philippine National Police (PNP) mobilized thousands of officers to affected communities. Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr., acting chief of the PNP, commended the force for its rapid deployment and ongoing support as residents rebuild in the wake of the twin disasters.
Assurance Through Visible Presence
Nartatez said the immediate deployment of policemen on the ground provided critical reassurance to residents that the national government was in control. “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,” he stated. He also emphasized the unity and readiness demonstrated by police forces in Mindanao, describing it as a clear direction for the organization.
Maintaining Order During Concurrent Disasters
As multiple hazards persisted—from back-to-back earthquakes to volcanic unrest involving Bulusan and Kanlaon—the PNP maintained a high level of vigilance. In the Davao Region, Police Regional Office 11 (PRO-11) was placed on red alert after the October 10 doublet earthquakes near Manay, Davao Oriental. In Caraga Region, PRO-13 conducted on-site inspections and assisted in damage assessments following the October 11 6.0-magnitude quake in Cagwait, Surigao del Sur. Police stations across Bicol and Negros heightened alert due to growing volcanic activity, with personnel from PRO-5 and the Negros Island Region Police Regional Office (PRO-NIR) prepositioned to support evacuations and prevent panic.
A Proactive, Planned Response
Nartatez highlighted that the PNP has standing disaster response protocols and contingency plans that enable rapid, coordinated action across regions. The police force coordinated with local authorities to secure affected areas, protect critical infrastructure, and help residents access relief services. He added that the PNP’s proactive stance would continue to guide operations as communities navigate aftershocks, tremors, and potential evacuations.
Public Confidence and Community Resilience
The acting PNP chief underscored that the police presence not only ensured safety but also contributed to restoring public confidence during a period of heightened stress. By maintaining order, managing crowd safety in relief sites, and providing timely information, the PNP helped reduce fear and prevent secondary incidents in the quake-impacted regions.
Looking Ahead
As authorities monitor seismic and volcanic activity, the PNP remains prepared to scale its response. Nartatez reiterated that the organization stands ready to extend all necessary support to every affected community, ensuring security, facilitating rescue and relief operations, and supporting local disaster response efforts in the weeks ahead.
Key Takeaways
- Rapid police deployment helped calm fears after Cebu’s 6.9-quake and Davao Oriental’s 7.4 tremor.
- Red alerts and on-site inspections supported damage assessment and evacuation planning.
- Continued readiness and disaster protocols position the PNP to respond to multiple incidents simultaneously.
