PNP disaster response units on alert as Typhoon Francisco intensifies

MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) mobilized its emergency and disaster response teams on Monday, bracing for rapid deployment as Typhoon Francisco (Mekkhala) intensifies and strengthens the southwest monsoon (habagat).

READ: Francisco now a typhoon — Pagasa

PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has put emergency response teams across the country on active duty as they monitor typhoon updates as well as developing weather systems over the Philippine Sea.

“Police units on the ground are observing disaster response protocols, and coordination with local authorities is in place to ensure a unified and swift response for the safety of the public,” he said in a statement.

He added that coordination with local government units remains a priority to ensure a timely and coordinated response and maintain public safety in affected areas.

READ: Typhoon Francisco intensifies, Signal No. 1 up in northern Luzon areas

“Our personnel are on alert to ensure the safety of residents, and we will continue to work with local government units on preemptive evacuations and other operations to protect all our kababayan in affected communities,” Nartatez said.

The PNP chief urged the public to remain vigilant and follow official advisories as weather conditions continue to change in the coming days.

Typhoon update

As of 5 a.m. Monday, several areas in Northern Luzon were under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 due to the cyclone, including Batanes and the northeastern portion of Cagayan (Gonzaga and Santa Ana), as well as the eastern portion of the Babuyan Islands (Babuyan Island, Didicas Island and Camiguin Island).

Pagasa said Francisco is forecast to intensify further and may reach its peak intensity by Tuesday. (PNA)

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