PNP joins earthquake drill to boost preparedness

MANILA, Philippines — Emphasizing the importance of disaster preparedness in times of calamities, personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) joined the second quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill yesterday.

Acting on the directive of PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., police units across the country participated in earthquake drills led by the Office of Civil Defense.

Following a magnitude 7.8 temblor that killed at least 70 people in Mindanao, Nartatez said regular earthquake drills should not be taken for granted.

“This is a life-saving drill and on the part of the PNP, we want to go beyond by coming up with measures for quick and coordinated response to assist as many of our countrymen,” Nartatez said in a statement.

As police are usually the first responders during earthquakes, typhoons, volcanic eruptions and other calamities, Nartatez said it is important that they are prepared.

He said police commanders in urban areas should be active in simulation drills to raise awareness about what their personnel would do in worst-case scenarios.

“They should not be the one to panic. Instead, police must take the lead in immediate response to ensure public safety,” Nartatez said.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and the Aviation Security Group also conducted earthquake drills –  Rudy Santos