PNP on alert as flooding hits Luzon, Mindanao

MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has placed its units on alert following flooding incidents reported in several areas of Luzon and Mindanao after days of heavy rainfall.

All regional and local police units were directed to immediately activate their disaster response teams and deploy necessary resources to assist affected communities and ensure public safety.

“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,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement Tuesday.

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Parts of Quezon City experienced flooding in recent days due to frequent thunderstorms, despite Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) clarifying that the country has not yet officially entered the rainy season.

Flooding was also reported in Davao City on Monday morning, prompting local officials to order the forced evacuation of families in Barangay Matina Pangi as water levels rose in low-lying areas.

Nartatez said the PNP is closely coordinating with barangay officials and local government units, particularly in identifying high-risk areas that may require preemptive evacuation.

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Police personnel on the ground have likewise been instructed to coordinate rescue and relief operations to prevent casualties and ensure an orderly response, in line with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.

Nartatez reminded the public to remain vigilant and rely only on official weather advisories. He also emphasized the importance of complying early with evacuation orders issued by authorities. (PNA)