The Philippine National Police (PNP) has placed all police units in Northern Luzon on heightened alert as Tropical Storm Kiyapo (international name: Noul) continues moving closer to the country. Authorities have deployed search-and-rescue teams, coordinated with local disaster response councils, and urged residents to stay vigilant as the storm threatens to bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, possible flooding, and dangerous weather conditions across affected areas.
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified its disaster preparedness efforts by placing all police units across Northern Luzon on heightened alert as Tropical Storm Kiyapo, internationally known as Noul, continues to move toward the country’s northern territory. The move aims to ensure that emergency responders are fully prepared to assist communities that may be affected by the approaching weather disturbance.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. announced that police stations and regional units located along the projected path of the tropical storm have already activated their emergency response plans. He said police personnel have been instructed to prepare search-and-rescue equipment, emergency vehicles, communication systems, and other disaster response resources even before the storm reaches land.
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According to Nartatez, the police force is working closely with local government units, disaster risk reduction and management councils, firefighters, health workers, and other emergency response agencies to make sure rescue operations can begin immediately if communities experience flooding, landslides, or other storm-related incidents.
The PNP chief emphasized that police officers are not only responsible for maintaining peace and order during emergencies but also play a major role in helping save lives by assisting evacuations, conducting rescue missions, managing traffic, securing evacuation centers, and protecting properties left behind by residents who are forced to leave their homes.
“Our police units in areas expected to be affected by Tropical Storm Kiyapo are fully prepared,” Nartatez said, assuring the public that officers have already been deployed and are ready to respond whenever needed.
Based on the latest weather bulletin issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) at 4:00 a.m. Friday, Tropical Storm Kiyapo was located approximately 345 kilometers east of Aparri, Cagayan.
The storm continues moving west-northwest at a speed of 30 kilometers per hour while carrying maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour and gustiness reaching up to 80 kilometers per hour.
Weather experts said the tropical storm could either pass very close to or make landfall over the Babuyan Islands. Although its exact track may still change depending on atmospheric conditions, authorities are not taking any chances and have begun preparing for the worst possible scenario.
Aside from its direct impact, Pagasa warned that Tropical Storm Kiyapo is expected to strengthen the southwest monsoon, locally known as “Habagat.” This weather system could bring prolonged heavy rainfall over the western portions of Northern Luzon and parts of Southern Luzon, increasing the risk of flash floods, overflowing rivers, and landslides, especially in mountainous and low-lying areas.
Communities located near rivers, coastlines, and steep slopes have been advised to closely monitor weather bulletins as changing conditions may require immediate evacuation if rainfall intensifies.
Police commanders across Northern Luzon have also been instructed to continuously monitor the weather situation and maintain communication with local officials to ensure that rescue teams can be dispatched immediately should emergencies occur.
The PNP has also prepositioned rescue boats, life vests, ropes, emergency medical kits, and transport vehicles in strategic locations to reduce response time once assistance is needed. Police officers trained in water rescue and disaster response have likewise been placed on standby.
Authorities stressed that rapid deployment is crucial during typhoons since rising floodwaters can quickly isolate communities, making rescue operations more difficult if emergency teams are not already positioned near vulnerable areas.
Aside from rescue preparations, police officers have also been tasked with maintaining public order in evacuation centers. During previous storms, law enforcement personnel played an important role in ensuring the safety of evacuees, preventing theft in abandoned neighborhoods, and managing traffic along evacuation routes.
The PNP reminded residents not to ignore evacuation advisories issued by local governments. Officials explained that delaying evacuation could place not only residents at risk but also emergency responders who may later be forced to conduct dangerous rescue missions under severe weather conditions.
General Nartatez appealed to the public to remain calm while staying alert as Tropical Storm Kiyapo continues approaching the country. He encouraged everyone to follow official announcements from Pagasa, local government units, and disaster management offices instead of relying on unverified information circulating on social media.
Residents were also advised to prepare emergency supplies, including drinking water, food, medicines, flashlights, batteries, mobile phone power banks, important documents stored in waterproof containers, and emergency clothing in case they need to leave their homes on short notice.
Families living in flood-prone communities were encouraged to identify the nearest evacuation centers and discuss emergency plans with household members before the weather deteriorates.
Meanwhile, local disaster response agencies continue conducting inspections of evacuation centers to ensure they are ready to accommodate residents if mass evacuations become necessary. Relief goods, food packs, clean water, and medical supplies are also being prepared for possible distribution in affected areas.
Transportation agencies are likewise closely monitoring sea conditions, as rough waters may force the suspension of sea travel, particularly in Northern Luzon ports serving the Babuyan Islands and nearby provinces. Fishermen have also been advised not to venture into the sea due to potentially dangerous waves and strong winds.
The Department of Public Works and Highways, together with local engineering offices, has also prepared heavy equipment that can be used to clear roads blocked by fallen trees, landslides, or other storm debris after the tropical cyclone passes.
As Tropical Storm Kiyapo continues moving toward Northern Luzon, authorities remain focused on minimizing the storm’s impact through early preparations, coordinated emergency response, and continuous monitoring of weather developments.
Government agencies emphasized that while storms cannot be prevented, timely preparations, community cooperation, and public awareness can significantly reduce the number of casualties and the extent of damage caused by severe weather.
The PNP assured the public that its personnel will remain on full alert throughout the duration of the storm, ready to respond to emergencies, assist affected families, and help communities recover as Northern Luzon braces for the possible impact of Tropical Storm Kiyapo. / aptikons