East Visayas cop chief lauds men for ‘Urduja’ response

PALO, Leyte, Dec. 26  -- The Philippine National Police in Eastern Visayas on Tuesday lauded its personnel for responding to the needs of residents displaced by Tropical Storm “Urduja” last week.

PNP-Eastern Visayas regional director, Chief Supt. Gilberto Cruz, said policemen were actively involved -- from the evacuation before the storm’s landfall to the retrieval of bodies and relief distribution after the typhoon.

“Some policemen had to brave crossing up to neck-deep water to save residents trapped inside houses due to massive flooding,” Cruz said.

After the typhoon, policemen and soldiers joined the Department of Social Welfare and Development and local government units in distributing relief goods.
Policemen also helped clear roads of fallen trees and landslide debris.

“We are thankful for the dedication of our policemen here in Region 8 to help and save people who are in need of assistance,” Cruz said.

As a member of the security force, he said their organization not only functions as a security provider, but also assists during emergencies.

The PNP top official in the region also distributed relief goods and water purifiers to affected villages in Biliran.

“Urduja” left a massive trail of destruction, especially in Biliran province where 42 people perished, with 14 bodies still missing as of December 24.

Worst hit by the landslide is Lucsoon village in the capital town of Naval where 21 bodies had been recovered. Six bodies remain missing as of this week.

Cruz led the search and rescue operation at the landslide site to recover fatalities and save those who are alive underneath the rubble of mud and big rocks.

A policewoman of the Biliran Police and her family were among the landslide victims. She remains missing as of press time.

“We’re still hoping to see her alive. We don’t want to declare her death, not unless we see her body,” Cruz added. (RTA/PNA)