PIA Press Release Wednesday, January 11, 2012 PNP to take role on disaster management operationsby Robert E. Roperos BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 11 (PIA) -- Following the series of disasters that hit Mindanao late last year and early this year, Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Nicanor Bartolome has instructed the entire police force to consider their role not only in internal security but in disaster management operations, as well. “As per instruction of PNP chief Bartolome, our mobile forces composed of the Regional Public Safety Battalions and different Public Safety Companies to take a new role not only internal security operations but also disaster management operations,” PNP Caraga Regional Director PCSupt. Reynaldo Rafal said. Rafal was interviewed over a local radio station here recently. The official also said the PNP should give emphasis on the capability of the PNP to conduct search and rescue, as well as relief and rehabilitation operations. It can be recalled that during the typhoon “Sendong”, PNP personnel were sent to conduct search, rescue and retrieval operations in Cagayan De Oro City and Iligan City. Also, Bartolome led the troops in conducting relief and rehabilitation operations. In Caraga Region, police personnel from the Regional Mobile Group were also deployed in the said areas to conduct same operations. (PIA-Caraga) |