The Philippine National Police (PNP), under the leadership of Chief PNP, Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, conducted its annual inspection of disaster response equipment on May 21, 2025 at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center in Camp BGen Rafael T Crame, Quezon City. This simultaneous nationwide activity reinforces PNP’s commitment to maintain preparedness in the face of emergencies and disasters.
Simultaneously, all Police Regional Offices (PROs) across the country conducted their respective inspections within their areas of responsibility, making this initiative a truly nationwide effort. The synchronized inspections aimed to ensure that all units, whether at the National Headquarters or in the regional offices, are equipped, capable, and ready to respond during disasters and emergencies.
The inspection focused on disaster response assets stored at the National Headquarters. Equipment were assessed based on its operational readiness, condition, quantity, and compliance with standards set by the PNP Critical Incident Management Operational Procedures (CIMOP). Shortages were also identified, and recommendations were made for necessary upgrades or additional acquisitions.
PGen Marbil emphasized the importance of disaster preparedness amid increasing threats from both natural and man-made hazards. โLet us not forget that PNP is not only a force for peace and order, but also a force of compassion, courage, and dedication. Together, we fight not only for peace but for life itself,โ he said.
PNP’s disaster response capability is backed by 21,840 trained personnel specializing in Urban Search and Rescue (USAR), Water Search and Rescue (WASAR), Collapsed Structure Search and Rescue (CSSR), and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR). These personnel have undergone intensive training in First Aid, Basic Life Support, Tactical Casualty Care, Mass Casualty Management, Search and Rescue Operations, and the Incident Command System.
To fully equip the said manpower, PNP has secured a total of 8,422 essential rescue tools such as earthquake rescue kits, emergency shelters, bolt cutters, chainsaws, portable hammers, and heavy-duty searchlights. Additionally, PNP has 9,328 transport assets, including patrol vehicles, utility trucks, ambulances, amphibious vans, inflatable boats, rigid-hull inflatable boats, high-speed tactical watercraft, and rotary-wing aircraft, all ready for rapid deployment during emergencies.
Likewise, to ensure seamless communication during operations, PNP utilizes 26,110 communication devices including tactical radios, UHF/VHF mobile radios, repeaters, and integrated paging systems, which are crucial for coordination and synchronization of disaster response efforts across all units.
The nationwide annual inspection boosts the Philippine National Policeโs strong resolve to protect lives and property. It strengthens public trust in PNP as a reliable partner in disaster response, underscoring the organizationโs dedication to build a safer and more resilient communities towards a Bagong Pilipinas.
