Manila police revs for rainy season

By Jimmyley I. Guzman

Tuesday 19th of June 2012

QUEZON CITY, June 19 (PIA) -- Police personnel from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) are now intensifying preparations with the start of rainy season.

NCRPO chief Alan Purisima in a release said, police in the metro regularly attend trainings to improve their capability and skills to properly respond in times of need.

“Your NCRPO continuously conducts trainings and programs to prepare and equip our personnel and forces for disasters during rainy days. We make sure that our trainings and programs are done ahead of time,” Purisima said.

During the summer season, the NCRPO chief directed his personnel to undergo refresher courses and regularly conduct Search And Rescue (SAR) trainings.

Part of the training include boat handling techniques, proficient swimming for water safety and survival, and proper giving of medical aid to disaster victims.

As part of the overall preparations, NCRPO have 2,146 deployable and prepared SAR personnel aside from the 612 police personnel who have recently completed their SAR trainings.

Purisima also assured that inventory of equipment are properly tested and accounted for, and ready for deployment to flood-prone areas. The equipment includes 19 rubber boats and six lift trucks.

Meanwhile, Purisima also encouraged Metro Manila residents to text and call their action center: 0999-9018181 (Smart), 0915-8888181 (Globe), and emergency landline 838-3203.

The NCRPO chief added that the 24-hour public assistance center aims to secure immediate police response to ensure public safety and peace and order. (PNP-NCRPO/RJB/JEG-PIA NCR)