Among the first people who quickly responded to the devastation left by Typhoons Agaton and Odette were the Eastern Visayas police, whom survivors and onlookers witnessed at the sites hence earning recognition at this year's 7th Police Community Relations Month.
Police Regional Office (PRO)-Eastern Visayas was recognized “for its contribution in alleviating the lives of the affected people and the community."
The said award was received by Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac, police regional director at the PNP-National Headquarters, Camp Crame, Quezon City.
“PRO-8 (Eastern Visayas) was awarded for its competence, professionalism, generous deeds, and unselfish regard for the victims despite the possible danger,” the official said as he lauded the entire police force who were behind the recognition.
“Whether we are recognized or not, a police officer must perform his mandated task tirelessly with compassion and sincerity,” Banac said.
Typhoon Agaton and Odette were both considered powerful storms that left massive destruction in lives and properties of the people last December 2021 and April 2022.
Police offices in different parts of the region were among the first to have distributed relief goods and other necessities for the survivors.
Respect well earned
In addition to food packs and kits, PNP personnel who were victims themselves of the said typhoons were commended by the public after seeing how the officers did not abandon their sworn duties despite them and their families being affected as well.
"Halos wala din silang tulog kasi sila din nag clearing pagkatapos nung bagyo, pati as retrieval operations tapos patina rin sa pagayos ng mga bahay namin.Saludo talaga kami as kanila pati sa iba pang tumulong as amin that time," a resident in Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte told OpinYon 8.
PNP together with the AFP and several other agencies took part in the construction of temporary shelters which housed the survivors who lost their homes in Abuyog and Southern Leyte.
Communities in the said areas have dealt the most damage during the disasters with Agaton's damage worth P200 million and a death toll of around 148.
On the other hand, Typhoon Odette left approximately P19 billion in total damages based on the assessment of the provincial government.
With their involvement with these communities not limited to crimes, the police force indeed deserved the public's trust with their dedication, untiring efforts and quick response to those in need in times of natural calamities and it made them closer to the people they vowed to serve and protect as part of their duty as police officers.