PNP OIC Gamboa urges each cop to donate P10 for Taal victims

Philippine National Police (PNP) officer-in-charge Police Lieutenant General Archie Francisco Gamboa on Monday encouraged each policeman to donate P10 to help in the ongoing relief efforts for those affected by the Taal Volcano’s phreatic explosion.

"I am asking the members of the Philippine National Police a P10 contribution... voluntary contribution so that we can generate funds to help especially those Filipinos who are misplaced by this disaster," Gamboa said during a press briefing.

"Kung makuha na namin itong voluntary contribution then we will ask CALABARZON ano 'yung mga kailangan nila so that 'yun 'yung mga dadalhin namin sa CALABARZON," he added.

Gamboa called on high-ranking police officials to donate a higher amount for the affected Filipinos in CALABARZON.

Gamboa said CALABARZON still needs relief goods, water and biscuits for the rescue team, some rake and shovel for road clearing operations, and 4 by 4 trucks to expedite evacuation of residents.

Initially, Gamboa said the PNP national headquarters already sent six trucks to CALABARZON to assist in the mandatory evacuation of affected residents.

According to Gamboa, the PNP national headquarters is ready to deploy 2,000 personnel in CALABARZON to help in the evacuation and relief efforts.

"Kung talagang severely-affected 'yung personnel, we sent people from the national headquarters... that's part of the contingency..." Gamboa said.

"More than 2,000 but we can still generate more. As a matter of fact, 'yung regional offices ng NCR and Region III were also alerted at kung kulang ang augmentation, they are ready to augment..."  he added.

The PHIVOLCS said Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 4 because of its continuing "period of intense unrest." The agency added that the Alert Level 4 means that "hazardous explosive eruption" is possible within hours to days.

According to PHIVOLCS, a total of 75 volcanic earthquakes have also been recorded in Taal as of 5 a.m.

More than 7,000 individuals have already been evacuated due to Taal Volcano's activity, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

Earlier, Gamboa ordered full alert status for all units and offices at the national headquarters, Police Regional Offices IIIn and IV-A as well as the National Capital Region Police Office. — RSJ, GMA News