Cascolan orders Central Visayas cops to assist Albay after Rolly's wrath

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Camilo Pancratius Cascolan on Monday directed the deployment of cops from Central Visayas to assist areas affected by Super Typhoon Rolly in the Bicol Region, especially the province of Albay.

"'Yung RSSF (Reactionary Standby Support Force) natin andito lang muna. Alam niyo naman malayo ang Albay. Albay ang pinakakailangan ng tao. Ang Region VII, inatasan na natin na pumunta ng Region V para tumulong at magbigay ng food assistance," Cascolan told reporters in Camp Crame. 

"'Yung RSSF, standby muna rito. Marami namang tao dito sa IV-A, III at ibang regions na naapektuhan. For the meantime, let's have Region VII go there, assist them, give food... 'Yung mga equipment, hiningi na natin po 'yan sa AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines]," he added. 

Cascolan said policemen would assist families affected in Guinobatan and Camalig. 

Central Visayas police chief Police Brigadier General Albert Ignatius Ferro said he is preparing a 100-man team that will go to the Bicol Region. He said the policemen would go there on Wednesday or Thursday. 

"'Pag okay na 'yung roro," Ferro said in a text message. 

The PNP is also coordinating with the Department of Social Welfare and Development if it needs assistance and escort in the distribution of food packs to affected individuals. 

The PNP chief mentioned that some police officers are also affected by the typhoon but he did not provide exact figures. 

Meanwhile, Cascolan also ordered directors of area police commanders to lead post disaster cleanup, relief and rehabilitation operations of regional and provincial police offices in areas hit hard by Rolly. 

Police units have been instructed to initiate clearing operations of highways and main thoroughfares to allow the smooth passage of emergency services, relief caravans and commercial cargoes. 

“In the spirit of Bayanihan, the PNP is linking arms with local government units, state agencies and non-government organizations in rebuilding and rising from the devastation left by Typhoon Rolly,” Cascolan said in a separate press release. 

He added the police force would help in enforcing a price freeze on basic commodities in areas which will be placed under state of calamity. 

At least 10 people died in the Bicol Region due to Super Typhoon Rolly, the Office of Civil Defense Region V said on Sunday night. Nine of the fatalities were from Albay. —KG, GMA News