PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief, General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil has called on his men to prepare to secure their families first before giving quality public service.

“Tag-ulan na kaya let’s all prepare our families for any eventuality. Yung ‘pag pumunta tayo sa field, hindi tayo nag-aalala sa ating pamilya while we give quality public service,” the top cop reminded his men.

The PNP chief earlier assured their readiness to respond to any disasters or calamities that may hit the country with the start of the rainy season.

The top cop last month led the inspection of all PNP disaster response equipment and other capabilities at Camp Crame.

The simultaneous showdown inspection of the PNP equipment was spearheaded by the PNP Directorate for Police-Community Relations headed by Major Gen. Bernard M. Banac.

The PNP-DPCR supervises the conduct of the PNP Oplan: Saklolo and leads all PNP Sub-Committee on Disaster Management with the end in view of achieving ‘zero casualty’ in times of calamity.

Marbil expressed gratitude to all police personnel who aided in responding to the recent Typhoon Aghon which killed at least seven people and displaced nearly 37,000 families.

The PNP chief also acknowledged the challenges faced by affected communities as he commended the efforts of PNP personnel in assisting them.

Gen. Marbil also expressed confidence in the quality of disaster equipment they currently have to respond to any given situation.

The event saw the participation of 320 Search-and-Rescue Personnel, including 12 from the elite PNP Special Action Force which displayed SAR boxes containing essential tools for emergency response.

Other notable exhibits include 24 SAR boxes from SAF and selected Crame-based NSUs, firetrucks, ambulances, rubber boats, trucks, generator sets and various communication equipment.

Of particular interest was a PNP vehicle with a water desalination machine, showcasing innovative solutions for disaster response challenges.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recently lauded the major anti-crime gains and disaster preparedness of the PNP. The Commander-in-Chief commended the PNP for significantly reducing the country’s crime volume from July 2022 to May 2024 which he attributed to the major anti-criminality efforts of the national police force.

President Marcos emphasized the importance of enhancing the PNP’s capabilities in combating cybercrime, acknowledging the increasing threat posed by digital crimes.

On the issue of illegal drugs, he praised the PNP’s performance in the first five months of 2024, particularly in addressing illegal drug activities even as he urged the PNP to focus on apprehending major suppliers and high-profile drug personalities.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon