Bicol Police Units Placed on High Alert Ahead of Severe Tropical Storm Opong

LEGAZPI CITY – In anticipation of Severe Tropical Storm Opong (international name Bualoi) making landfall in the Bicol Region by Friday, the Police Regional Office 5 (PRO 5) has instructed all police units to enter a heightened state of readiness.

PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Nestor Babagay Jr. directed law enforcement agencies to assist with preemptive evacuations, focusing on vulnerable populations residing in low-lying, coastal, and flood-prone areas.

Currently, approximately 367 officers from the Reactionary Standby Support Force have been deployed and are on standby to provide immediate assistance. Additionally, specialized search, rescue, and retrieval teams have been mobilized to support emergency operations in potentially affected locations.

Brig. Gen. Babagay emphasized the importance of public vigilance and urged residents to heed the guidance of local authorities to ensure safety during the approaching storm.

"We call on everyone to stay alert and follow the instructions of our community leaders," he stated, stressing that preparedness is vital in mitigating storm impacts.