Amid the Philippines’ vulnerability to earthquakes and other natural hazards, disaster preparedness remains a fundamental component of public safety and organizational resilience. Through proactive planning, regular drills, and continuous capability development, government agencies enhance their readiness to respond effectively to emergencies while minimizing risks to life and property. For the Philippine National Police (PNP), maintaining a high level of preparedness is essential to ensure uninterrupted public service, safeguard communities, and support national disaster response efforts during crises.
On June 18, 2026, PNP, under the leadership of Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., participated in the Second Quarter Calendar Year 2026 Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) held at the PNP National Headquarters, Camp BGen Rafael T Crame in Quezon City.
The nationwide activity formed part of the government’s continuing efforts to promote disaster awareness, preparedness, and resilience among public institutions and communities. It served as an important platform for assessing the effectiveness of existing emergency response plans while reinforcing personnel readiness to respond swiftly and appropriately during actual earthquake incidents.
Following the drill, a consolidation, critique, and assessment session was conducted in front of the NHQ Building to evaluate the overall performance of participating units and identify areas for improvement. The assessment was led by Ms. Evangeline Lumague, Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer I, representing the Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. She provided valuable observations and recommendations to further strengthen the PNP’s emergency response protocols, inter-agency coordination mechanisms, and overall disaster management capabilities.
Police Brigadier General Marvin Joe C. Saro, Deputy Director of the Directorate for Police Community Relations and Vice Chairperson of the Sub-Committee on Natural Disaster, also provided guidance during the assessment. He emphasized the importance of preparedness, coordination, and teamwork in responding to disasters, reminding personnel that effective emergency management requires discipline, vigilance, and continuous capability enhancement.
The assessment and evaluation activity was attended by representatives from the Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Quezon City Fire District–National Capital Region, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts among government agencies in strengthening disaster resilience. These partnerships play a crucial role in ensuring a unified and coordinated response during emergencies, maximizing resources and expertise to protect lives and property.
The successful conduct of the Second Quarter NSED reflects the PNP’s commitment to its Focused Agenda, particularly in enhancing organizational preparedness, strengthening institutional capability, and fostering a culture of safety and resilience among its personnel. Through sustained capacity-building initiatives, regular simulation exercises, and close collaboration with partner agencies, PNP continues to uphold its mission to build a disaster-ready police force capable of responding effectively to emergencies.
