QCPD wants floodlights, watercraft in flood-prone areas

MANILA, Philippines - The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) wants to have floodlights installed in flood-prone areas in the city and more watercraft and trained personnel for rescue operations, officials said yesterday.

Senior Superintendent Joel Pagdilao, QCPD deputy director for administration, said the floodlights were among the equipment they requested from the city government.

“After the recent floods, we found it necessary to conduct an assessment of what we need to improve our rescue operations,” Pagdilao said during yesterday’s  â€œaudit” of QCPD disaster response equipment.

QCPD deputy director for operations Senior Superintendent Procopio Lipana said the floodlights would be needed to help rescuers maneuver in the dark.

Lipana noted that neighborhoods that get flooded usually also have their power supply cut off.

QCPD director Chief Superintendent Richard Albano said the activity was to ensure the capability of their search and rescue teams.

“We can’t afford to be… helpless when unexpected calamity comes. We assure that we can deliver the assistance needed by the people during calamities,” Albano said.

Pagdilao also said the QCPD will add more rescue teams for each of its 12 police stations. He said each of the QCPD’s 12 police stations should at least have one watercraft.

Pagdilao noted that only Police Stations 5, 4, 11, and 10 have watercraft, while the others rely on those provided by the barangays.

He said the QCPD will also add up to four rescue teams for each of the police stations. He said each police station has two rescue teams at present, with each team having eight members.