Police, military send more forces to Yolanda-hit areas

They will augment security forces particularly in Tacloban City where looting of goods was reported

Rappler.com

Published 6:25 PM, November 10, 2013

Updated 1:46 AM, November 14, 2013

LOOTING IN TACLOBAN. Some survivors of the onslaught of typhoon Yolanda were reported to have looted groceries for food and non-food supplies. Photo by EPA/Francis Malasig

MANILA, Philippines – The government stepped up efforts to restore peace and order in areas devastated by typhoon Yolanda by deploying more personnel.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) sent to the cities of Tacloban and Ormoc in Leyte and Capiz a total of 466 personnel from the Special Action Force (SAF), from Region 7 (Central Visayas), Region 13 (Caraga), National Capital Region, and the PNP's Health Service, Crime Laboratory and Communication and Electronics Service units.

They will augment security forces in the areas, particularly Tacloban, where widespread looting of goods was reported.

They will also provide medical assistance, aid in the identification of the dead and help in the restoration of communication systems in the areas.

Some 297 personnel from SAF, Region 4-A (Calabarzon) and Region 5 (Bicol) are also ready for dispatch when the need arises, said PNP.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also deployed 100 more soldiers to Tacloban to assist the police there, reported state-run Philippine News Agency.

"The AFP assures our people that we are working round the clock together with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development and the PNP to be able to reach every citizen that needs our help. All we ask is patience from our fellow citizens," AFP spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said.

In a press conference in Roxas City, Capiz on Sunday, Secretary to the Cabinet Rene Almendras said that the looting situation in Tacloban is "now under control."

"We have moved a lot of police forces – even from NCR – and they are already in Tacloban to establish peace and order situation there," he said. – Rappler.com

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