The Philippine National Police (PNP) deployed more than 2,000 personnel in areas hit by Tropical Storm Kristine.
PBGen. Jean Fajardo, spokesperson of PNP, said on Wednesday, October 23, that 10,000 cops also remain on standby, and 'readily available' to augment units in affected areas.
"Concentrated tayo doon sa affected areas, particularly diyan sa Region V. Meron din tayo sa Region IX, and other affected areas sa Luzon," Fajardo said in a press conference.
Fajardo said that PNP personnel help in rescue and relief operations in the affected areas.
"As we speak, ang mga PNP personnel natin, particularly diyan sa Region V, ay kasalukuyan tumutulong sa gobyerno para ilikas yung mga kababayan natin na naapektuhan ng bagyo," Fajardo said.
"Of course, ongoing yung distribution ng relief goods. Meron din tayong road-clearing operations. Lahat nito ay ginagawa ng PNP in coordination with other relevant government agencies," she added.
Fajardo also assured that PNP established women and children protection desks in evacuation centers to prevent incidents of harassment, molestations, and lascivious behavior among evacuees.
"As a matter of procedure, nagde-deploy tayo diyan ng mga kababaihan natin na pulis dahil alam natin ang sitwasyon sa mga evacuation center. Dikit-dikit iyan, tapos walang privacy. Hindi natin alam kung sino yung katabi ng mga anak natin na babae," Fajardo said.
"We make sure na kapag biglaang may reklamo, readily, nandiyan ang ating women's desk para makakasagawa sila ng kaukulan at appropriate police action," she added.
Fajardo mentioned that PNP Chief PGen. Rommel Marbil closely monitors the situation, and ordered police regional directors to ensure that all affected cops will receive assistance.
"Ayaw niya na habang yung pulis natin ay naka-deploy at tumutulong sa ibang pamilya, yung pamily naman niya ay affected," Fajardo remarked
"He wants the regional director to ensure na nasa safe na areas din yung pamilya ng mga pulis natin para wala rin silang inaalala," the PNP official said.
As of 8AM on Wednesday, Fajardo said that TS Kristine affected 54 PNP personnel; 53 in Bicol Region and one in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
