The Philippine National Police (PNP) has stepped in to help enforce the 60-day price freeze on basic goods in Davao Oriental, as part of broader efforts to stabilize the province following the twin earthquakes that struck the area.
PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the police are coordinating closely with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and local government units (LGUs) to ensure that retailers comply with price regulations and to prevent any form of profiteering or looting in quake-affected communities.
He explained that the deployment of police personnel in the province aims to maintain peace and order, support relief operations, and protect residents from potential abuse or price manipulation.
Nartatez also assured that the PNP has enough manpower and logistical resources to back the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts led by local disaster response units.
According to Nartatez, the PNP remains ready to assist in any capacity to help residents recover and rebuild.
He emphasized that during calamities, it is essential to prevent individuals from taking advantage of the situation and to ensure that government aid reaches everyone in need.
The DTI earlier announced that the automatic price freeze will remain in effect from October 13 to December 12, ensuring the affordability and stability of basic commodities during the recovery period.
Readiness
In the wake of recent tremors across the country, the PNP has also begun enhancing its disaster response protocols and reviewing its earthquake contingency plans to improve preparedness and coordination among units nationwide.
Nartatez said all police regional offices, support units, and elite divisions have been directed to update their contingency and evacuation plans in coordination with local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (DRRMCs).
He also instructed all units to conduct regular earthquake drills to reinforce readiness among both police personnel and the public.
The initiative complements the call of Defense Secretary and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Chairman Gilberto Teodoro Jr., who recently urged national agencies and LGUs to conduct wide-scale earthquake drills in public areas, including schools and offices, to strengthen community preparedness.
Capabilities
An internal audit by the PNP Directorate for Logistics showed that the police organization has distributed 74,360 search-and-rescue tools and materials nationwide as of October 1, ensuring that field units remain equipped for emergency operations.
To further improve mobility and response capacity, the PNP has also procured 383 personnel carriers (4×4), 400 light motorcycles, 32 heavy motorcycles, 225 light transport vehicles, 322 unmanned aerial vehicles, 403 night vision monoculars, 4,989 combat helmets, 3,711 all-purpose vests, and 4 laser scanners.
Nartatez said these assets are part of the PNP’s continuing modernization efforts to guarantee quick and efficient response in times of disaster or emergency.*
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.