Police authorities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have intensified their disaster response efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness and ensure public safety as Typhoon Inday continues to affect parts of the region.

In a statement on Friday, Brig. Gen. Christopher Abecia, director of the Police Regional Office – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, said that 400 police personnel have been deployed for disaster response in the provinces of Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte, which have been affected by heavy rains over the past two days.

“We have over 780 personnel from the Reactionary Standby Support Force on standby for immediate deployment to reinforce operations in areas requiring additional assistance,” Abecia said.

He said the Maguindanao provincial police offices are closely monitoring the affected communities, providing security at evacuation centers, and coordinating with local disaster response agencies.

Abecia said police are securing 22 designated evacuation centers across Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur.

At present, 278 families, or about 1,923 individuals, are temporarily sheltered in these facilities in the towns of Parang and Sultan Kudarat.

Abecia said that police have also carried out three road-clearing operations.

Latest reports show no deaths, injuries, missing persons, looting, or gender-based violence related to the inclement weather.

“Our personnel stay on high alert and coordinate with local disaster agencies to ensure community safety,” Abecia said, reminding the public to follow local government advisories and monitor weather updates. (PNA)