Cops ready to respond to more floods, cleanup

The Northern Police District (NPD) has been placed on full alert to respond to flooding incidents due to heavy rains and winds brought about by Typhoon Milenyo in Metro Manila.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Calderon also ordered all policemen to assist in the cleanup operations and assist local government units (LGUs) in monitoring prices of basic commodities to prevent unscrupulous individuals from taking advantage of the situation.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Reynaldo Varilla said the rest of the metropolis will be placed on heightened alert.

He, however, gave his five police district directors the discretion to upgrade or downgrade the alert status in their respective areas of jurisdiction.

"We are expecting areas to be flooded and the heightened alert status will make our policemen ready in assisting in rescue operations," Varilla said in a radio interview.

He said the NCRPO has dispatched several 6x6 trucks to help stranded commuters as Typhoon Milenyo unleashed its fury as early as 10 a.m. yesterday.

Heavy rains and winds were experienced in Metro Manila, tearing roofs of from houses, toppling electric posts and uprooting trees.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) raised Signal No. 3 in Metro Manila and nearby provinces that were in the path of Milenyo.

Heavy rains and winds left the entire metropolis without electricity.