09/06/2026
PNP INTENSIFIES EARTHQUAKE RESPONSE OPERATIONS AS RESCUE AND RELIEF EFFORTS CONTINUE IN AFFECTED AREAS
The Philippine National Police (PNP) continues to intensify and sustain its coordinated disaster response operations following the Magnitude 7.8 earthquake that affected parts of Mindanao, as government efforts transition from immediate rescue to sustained relief, security support, and early recovery as of 2:00 PM today.
This marks the continuing phase of deployment where police units remain fully mobilized across evacuation centers, affected communities, and critical infrastructure sites to ensure public safety and support humanitarian assistance efforts.
A total of 2,488 PNP personnel remain deployed nationwide for disaster response operations, with units from concerned regional offices actively assisting in evacuation management, security coverage, and coordination with local government units and partner agencies.
Evacuation assistance remains extensive, with 1,705 evacuation centers activated and 37 currently occupied, sheltering over 5,900 families and more than 22,900 individuals. Police personnel continue to help maintain order and support relief distribution to ensure orderly and safe conditions in temporary shelters.
Search, Rescue and Retrieval (SRR) operations remain ongoing with six coordinated missions conducted to date. Authorities report 147 individuals rescued and 15 bodies retrieved. Reported fatalities are subject for validation by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), in coordination with concerned agencies, as part of standard verification procedures.
Civilian casualties, including reports of injuries and missing persons, are likewise undergoing validation and documentation to ensure accurate reporting. No casualties have been reported among PNP personnel.
Infrastructure impact continues to be monitored, with damage reported in commercial establishments, government facilities, schools, hospitals, bridges, residential houses, and places of worship. Transportation disruptions were also recorded, including 16 cancelled flights and limited airport facility damage in affected areas, while select road networks and bridges remain under assessment for safety clearance.
Power interruptions were likewise reported in isolated areas, including parts of Sarangani, while logistics and mobility challenges persist in some localities due to temporarily impassable routes.
Despite damage to several police facilities, including stations and regional offices, the PNP confirmed that operational capability remains unaffected, supported by available mobility assets, communication equipment, and standby logistics support.
Law and order monitoring remains stable, with no reported incidents of looting or other security-related disturbances as of this reporting period, reflecting sustained police visibility and coordination with local authorities.
Chief, PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. reaffirmed the organization’s continued commitment to rapid response and public assistance.
“Patuloy tayong naka-deploy sa mga apektadong lugar upang tiyakin ang kaligtasan ng bawat isa. Ang PNP ay nandito hindi lamang para tumugon sa rescue efforts kundi para siguraduhing maayos, ligtas, at kontrolado ang sitwasyon habang nagpapatuloy ang ating coordinated response,” he said.
The ongoing nationwide response is aligned with the PNP Focused Agenda under Enhanced Managing Police Operations, in support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive for a unified, efficient, and responsive disaster management approach across government agencies.
The PNP likewise emphasizes that this sustained operational posture is part of its continuing commitment under “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman,” ensuring consistent, visible, and dependable police service throughout the disaster response and recovery period.
(PNP-PIO)
