NPD cops seek help for flood-prone headquarters

MANILA, Philippines - Police officers from the Northern Police District (NPD) are calling on the Philippine National Police leadership to help them address the flood problem in their headquarters.

Even the slightest amount of rain can flood the headquarters since Tanigue street in Caloocan City is a flood-prone area, according to NPD police officers, who asked not to be named.

He said the flood problem at the NPD headquarters has impaired their capability to respond to disasters in northern Metro Manila.

“We are left with no recourse but to wait for the flood to subside. It’s good if there are no incidents happening during calamities that need police presence, but what if a major crime happens?” the official said.

He said the floodwaters in the area can rise up to three feet. Some police officers and civilian employees often go on leave at these times, leaving the headquarters with a handful of personnel as well as patrol cars and emergency vehicles rendered useless by the flood, he said.

There are more than 100 civilian and police personnel at the NPD, which has jurisdiction over the cities of Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela.