PNP on heightened alert as Typhoon Inday approaches

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) said all police personnel, regional offices, and concerned units have been placed under heightened alert on Thursday, July 9, in anticipation of the possible impact of Typhoon Inday on the country. PNP Community Affairs Division chief Col. Jonathan Abella said its disaster preparedness and response protocols, as well as its emergency response team are already activated and on standby for immediate deployment to the affected areas. “Rescue equipment, patrol vehicles, communication assets and other emergency response resources have likewise been inspected and prepositioned in areas that may be affected,” Abella said. READ: Inday weakens into typhoon; rains to drench parts of PH – Pagasa He added that the PNP is closely coordinating with the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, the Office of Civil Defense, and local government units to support preemptive evacuation measures and public safety. “The PNP remains committed to ensuring uninterrupted police services and the protection of lives and property throughout the duration of the weather disturbance,” Abella assured. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration earlier warned in a weather advisory on Thursday that strong winds and heavy rains are forecast to prevail across major parts of the country due to Inday and the enhanced southwest monsoon, or habagat. /das