Cops living in Taal danger zone to be relocated —PNP chief

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa on Monday directed the PNP Housing Board to facilitate the relocation of PNP personnel who are residing within the Taal Volcano danger zone.

In a press statement, Gamboa said the affected policemen would be relocated to safer PNP off-base housing projects.

"Because several of our own police personnel were themselves victims of this tragedy, the PNP morale and welfare policy ensures that appropriate assistance is extended to them," Gamboa said.

At a separate press briefing, PNP spokesman Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac said data are being collected as regards the number of affected policemen who will be relocated.

"Sa ngayon, kasalukuyan na pa na kinukuha ang kanilang data dahil kailangan nating malaman kung sino 'yung willing, kung willing silang lumipat in any place in CALABARZON or outside the region," Banac said.

Banac also said some of their police stations were affected by the volcanic activity.

"Isa sa ating na-identify ay 'yung sa San Nicolas, ito ay inabandon talaga ng ating San Nicolas police noong kasagsagan ng dalawang linggong pagalburuto ng Bulkang Taal," Banac said.

Gamboa also ensured that a sizeable contingent of PNP personnel remained on the ground to assist in facilitating the orderly return of the residents in their homes, a day after PHIVOLCS downgraded the alert status of Taal Volcano from Level 4 to Level 3.

Gamboa added that the PNP personnel and resources would be available for the conduct of cleanup efforts.

"I must congratulate the people of CALABARZON for their cooperation, patience and civic spirit that allowed them to hurdle this challenge with zero casualty," Gamboa said. 

"The PNP stood shoulder to shoulder with our distressed countrymen during those trying times, and we will remain by their side on their road to complete recovery from this setback," Gamboa said.

Banac, meanwhile, said the PNP would continue to monitor advisories from the PHIVOLCS and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to determine if cops would be withdrawn from CALABARZON.

On Sunday, PHIVOLCS already lowered the alert level raised over Taal Volcano due to its “less frequent volcanic activity.”

Despite downgrading the alert status, the local government of Batangas said displaced residents of the Taal Volcano Island would not be allowed to go back to their residences.

Batangas Vice Governor Mark Leviste earlier said they will be relocated to a facility in Ibaan town. —KBK/RSJ, GMA News