PNP: Looting contained

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday declared that the spate of looting in typhoon-ravaged Eastern Visayas has been contained.

Police spokesperson Senior Supeintendent Wilben Mayor said security forces, including military personnel, have already placed the entire region under control.

"The lootings have been contained.The situation has stabilized because of the presence of policemen," Mayor said.

He noted that around 1,217 policemen, including members of the Special Action Force, have been deployed to Tacloban City and other typhoon-hit areas in Eastern Visayas to restore peace and order.

Policemen deployed in Tacloban City, Aklan, Capiz and Ormoc have also been tasked to secure the thousands of relief goods being flown in.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry earlier reported that many businessmen in Tacloban City have relocated to Cebu for fear of their lives as many organized armed group have been going around, ransacking business establishments.

Aside from widespread looting, there were also reports that vehicles carrying relief goods have been attacked by desperate residents.

There were also reports of alleged rape by armed men in the affected areas.