Over 200 CALABARZON cops affected by Taal eruption; PNP to provide aid

Philippine National Police (PNP) officer-in-charge Police Lieutenant General Archie Francisco Gamboa on Wednesday said more than 200 policemen in CALABARZON were affected by the phreatic eruption of Taal Volcano.

"There are 278 policemen who are also affected so ang guidance ni RD, we do not expect them to go on duty, take care of their families first, although 'yung iba nag-duty, so that 'pag maayos na 'yung kanilang pamilya, that's the time that they can render back duty," Gamboa told reporters in Camp Crame.

Gamboa said the PNP national headquarters is ready to deploy policemen in CALABARZON if there is a need to replace the 278 cops.

"Sabi ko nga with 278, if you need more or exactly you need 278 replacement for them coming from the national headquarters, then just tell us," Gamboa said.

According to Gamboa, the PNP already provided N95 masks, goggles and raincoats to policemen who are assisting in the evacuation and relief efforts for the affected residents in the region.

Meanwhile, Gamboa said the PNP would extend at least P10,000 for each affected policeman in CALABARZON.

"That's around P2.78 million which we'll be releasing to the regional director para naman makatulong doon sa mga pulis na apektado," Gamboa said.

Gamboa further said a running amount of P2.5 million was already collected from policemen which will be given to affected civilians in CALABARZON. The amount was collected from the P10 voluntary contribution of each cop

"Initially, we urged the different regional offices to collect voluntary contributions from the policemen at P10 each pero may iba yatang regions they requested the policemen to contribute more," Gamboa said. — RSJ, GMA News