PNP mobilizes Enteng response units

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has activated key response clusters as Tropical Storm Enteng brought heavy rains in Metro Manila.

Thousands of police personnel were deployed to affected areas and evacuation centers, PNP chief information officer Col. Jean Fajardo said at a press briefing at Camp Crame.

Flood-prone areas in Metro Manila, including Malabon, Navotas and Marikina, are being monitored, Fajardo noted.

The response clusters include personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, other attached agencies of the Department of the Interior and Local Government as well as the Philippine Coast Guard and the National Bureau of Investigation.

Up to 434 policemen were deployed in Metro Manila yesterday to help in search, rescue and response efforts amid Enteng’s onslaught.

National Capital Region Police Office chief Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. assured the public that the NCRPO is prepared to respond to emergencies.

Of the number of police personnel, 20 were assigned to evacuation centers to provide assistance to displaced families.

Nartatez said 261 policemen were tasked to secure vital installations to maintain order and protect infrastructure in Metro Manila.

Traffic management personnel totaling 173 were also fielded to ensure that roads remain clear and safe despite the bad weather, Nartatez said.

According to the NCRPO, 233 people from 75 families sought shelter at various evacuation centers in the metropolis.

Nartatez said he ordered the deployment of more policemen trained in search, rescue and retrieval operations amid flooding, especially in low-lying areas.

“Our search, rescue and retrieval units, comprising 597 highly trained personnel, are on high alert and ready to respond to any emergencies,” Nartatez said.

Thousands evacuated

More than 2,000 people were evacuated in 11 barangays in Quezon City after several areas were flooded due to Enteng and the enhanced southwest monsoon.

At least 642 families or 2,268 people were staying at 19 evacuation centers in the city.

Most of the evacuees are residents of Barangay Bagong Silangan in District 2 and Barangay Roxas in District 4.

The local government has activated its emergency response teams to help the affected families.

A pet holding area was also set up at the QC Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office in Barangay Bagong Silangan for the animals of the evacuees.

The Philippine Animal Welfare Society reminded pet owners not to abandon animals during floods.

Several malls in Quezon City have designated waiting areas or waived overnight parking fees for the affected residents.

In Marikina, 3,185 families were evacuated.

The evacuees came from Barangays Nangka, Tumana, Malanday, Concepcion and Sto. Niño. They are taking shelter at 21 evacuation centers in the city.

The water level of Marikina River reached second alarm at 17.1 meters, prompting forced evacuation of residents.

Authorities expected the La Mesa Dam in Quezon City to overflow anew amid the rains brought by Enteng.

As of yesterday, the reservoir had reached 80.02 meters or 0.13 meters below its spilling level of 80.15 meters. — Daphne Galvez, Janvic Mateo, Bella Cariaso, Evelyn Macairan