At the onset of Typhoon Tino, which brought intense rains and strong winds across Visayas and parts of Mindanao, the Philippine National Police (PNP), under the leadership of Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Acting PNP Chief, established a steady, ready, and resilient force. The PNP’s nationwide alert status was activated on November 3, 2025, as soon as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) raised storm signals. All units in Western Visayas and Northeastern Mindanao were placed under full alert for possible mobilization.
PNP troops were deployed on the ground in flood-prone areas such as Aklan and Iloilo to conduct preemptive evacuations and secure vital installations. In Barangay Cortes, Balete, Aklan and Oton, Iloilo, where national highways were submerged, PNP personnel faced the rising water to assist stranded motorists and coordinate with local disaster response teams in the area. Their presence was not just operational but deeply reassuring to communities facing uncertainty.
The PNP has prioritized public safety above all else under the order of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Police Brigadier General Josefino D. Ligan, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 6, led the activation of the Disaster Incident Management Task Group (DIMTG) at Camp General Martin Teofilo B Delagdo in Iloilo City. This task force served as the nerve center for the coordinated response in Western Visayas, aligning police efforts with local government units and national agencies.
Command-level conferences were conducted to harmonize logistics, personnel movement, and community engagement. The goal was simple: to reduce casualties, maintain peace and order, and ensure rapid response.
Beyond rescue and security operations, PNP personnel also became the face of community support, distributing relief goods, assisting elderly residents in evacuation centers, and maintaining peace and order. In towns across affected areas, they were the first arrive and the last to leave. Their visibility and compassion helped ease fears and restore a sense of normalcy. For families sheltered in evacuation centers, uniformed officers were not just figures of authority but symbols of hope.
Typhoon Tino tested the country’s disaster response systems, but it also underscored the unwavering commitment of the police organization. Their actions were not only about fulfilling their duty but also about demonstrating humanity. As skies cleared and communities began rebuilding, the stories of PNP troops wading through floodwaters to carry children and the elderly to safety and standing guard in the midst of the storm will remain etched in the hearts of many.
Though Typhoon Tino brought immense destruction, the resolve of the men and women of PNP stood even stronger. Their prompt response, teamwork and dedication demonstrated their commitment not only to protect lives and property but also to ensure the safety and well-being of every community. Their promise is clear: to serve and protect the Filipino people.
