MANILA, Philippines - The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has started testing its search and rescue equipment as part of its overall preparations for the opening of classes on June 15.
The NCRPO has 11 wooden boats, a lifeboat that can accommodate 25 persons, and six rubber boats.
NCRPO chief Director Roberto Rosales initiated the construction of the wooden boats for at least P2 million after typhoon “Ondoy” devastated Metro Manila in September last year.
The lifeboat and rubber boats were donations from friends of the NCRPO, said Rosales.
He ordered the testing of the engines and other amenities of the NCRPO search and rescue (SAR) capability in case of flooding in Metro Manila’s low-lying areas.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration announced last week the possible occurrence of El Nina, a weather phenomenon expected to bring more than the usual amount of rainfall.
“We have to be ready for the kind of situation that we have seen during the onslaught of typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng last year,” Rosales said.
He noted that at least 37 policemen had undergone the Basic Rescue Operations Training conducted by the NCRPO as part of its preparations for disasters and calamities. A total of 109 police personnel have been trained so far in basic rescue operations.
Rosales said each police district and the regional headquarters have their own SAR teams.
Aside from boats, Rosales said life vests, buoys, and thermal blankets are available to the seven SAR teams of the NCRPO.
He added that technology would play a crucial role in the SAR operations since the boats are equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking device, closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras with infrared feature, trunk radio system, and flood lamps.
These technology features allow the deployment and navigation of the boats even at night.
Rosales also directed his five district directors to ensure the roadworthiness of all trucks so that these could be deployed anywhere in Metro Manila to ferry stranded commuters or evacuate residents in areas that would be affected by massive flooding.
The NCRPO assured that it is capable and ready to help during an emergency situation in the metropolis, especially during the opening of classes.