Rapid Police Deployment Reassures the Public
The Philippine National Police (PNP) faced back-to-back emergencies as a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Cebu on September 30, followed by a magnitude 7.4 tremor off Davao Oriental on October 10. In responding swiftly to these crises, Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr., acting chief of the PNP, highlighted the crucial role of police presence in calming fears and ensuring the continuity of life-saving operations for affected communities.
Visible Presence and Public Confidence
Nartatez emphasized that the immediate deployment of thousands of policemen did more than manage crowds or secure neighborhoods; it provided a tangible signal that the government is in control and ready to protect lives. “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 added that the unity and readiness demonstrated by the force in Mindanao and the Visayas reflect the direction the organization intends to take — a more proactive, capable, and coordinated response to disasters of any scale.
Disaster Response Across Regions
In the Davao Region, the Police Regional Office 11 (PRO-11) was placed on red alert as the region faced the 7.4 magnitude quake and a 6.8 aftershock near Manay, Davao Oriental. The alert level underscored the PNP’s readiness to mobilize rapid responders and support teams, ensuring that relief, search, and security operations could proceed without delay.
Meanwhile, in Caraga, the Police Regional Office 13 (PRO-13) conducted on-site inspections and coordinated damage assessments following a 6.0-magnitude quake in Cagwait, Surigao del Sur on October 11. Local police stations worked in concert with civil defense agencies to identify needs, channel relief to affected homes, and secure vulnerable areas against potential hazards.
Broader Security and Safety Measures
Beyond earthquake response, authorities monitored volcanic activity from Bulusan and Kanlaon, with increased patrols and heightened alert levels in Bicol and Negros. Police personnel from PRO-5 and the Negros Island Region Police Regional Office (NIR-PRO) were prepositioned to assist in evacuations if necessary and to prevent panic in nearby communities. Nartatez noted that these preparations are part of a broader framework: “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.”
Public Assurance and Future Readiness
As communities recover from the shocks of the quakes, the PNP pledges to maintain a proactive stance, ensuring security and safety while facilitating relief operations. Nartatez affirmed that the force remains ready to extend all necessary support to affected communities, stating, “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.”
Looking Ahead
These events underscore the importance of swift, coordinated law enforcement and disaster response. The PNP’s rapid deployments, on-ground assessments, and inter-agency cooperation aim not only to manage current needs but also to set a standard for preparedness in a country regularly confronting natural hazards. As relief and rehabilitation continue, the commitment from the nation’s police force will remain a cornerstone of community resilience and public trust.
