PNP commanders ordered to protect evacuees from typhoon and COVID-19

Philippine National Police (PNP) commanders are ordered to coordinate with local government units (LGUs) to protect evacuees from Super Typhoon Rolly and potential COVID-19 infections.

Police Lt. Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar, PNP deputy chief for Administration, tasked unit commanders to strengthen coordination with LGUs and local health offices.

The PNP units are expected to assist in mandatory evacuations and develop strategies to protect vulnerable groups like children, senior citizens, and those with pre-existing health conditions.

More than a million residents were reportedly evacuated in the Bicol region, with mandatory evacuations also implemented in Southern Tagalog, Metro Manila, and Central Luzon.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año tasked LGUs to prepare for worst-case scenarios, including storm surges up to three meters high, as 'Rolly' is a Category 5 tropical cyclone.

The presence of police personnel in evacuation centers is intended to assure evacuees of government protection and can involve setting up assistance desks or regular visits.

PNP chief General Camilo Pancratius Cascolan had earlier ordered the deployment of more police and vehicles to affected areas and activated the National Headquarters Disaster Incident Management Task Group.