COMPOSTELA VALLEY, Philippines—On the sidelines of Pablo’s aftermath is a community of typhoon survivors struggling to live one day at a time. Unfortunately, some were tempted to take the easy way out.
Law enforcement authorities earlier reported that there were cases of theft involving residential and commercial areas in New Bataan, Compostela Valley. But recent reports revealed these cases are now under control after augmented security measures had been enforced.
Intensified police visibility is likewise being observed with law enforcement authorities in active patrol, especially at night.
As a matter of fact, reports said Mayor Lorenzo Balbin, Jr. related that a resident was arrested for stealing the side mirror of a car owned by one of the mayor’s relatives.
Apparently, the town’s chief understands the serious situation going around, particularly the urgent need for food that might have caused some people to snap.
Meanwhile, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Nicanor Bartolome assured the public that there shall be no more cases of theft even though police officers are preoccupied by ongoing search, rescue and retrieval operations.
Latest reports said PNP Chief Bartolome ordered deployment of additional law enforcement authorities to areas hit by the typhoon. While some police from the CARAGA region were deployed to Davao Oriental, the ones from Region 10 were summoned to Compostela Valley.
During Bartolome’s visit in Compostela Valley, he brought some relief goods for the residents of Monkayo and New Bataan. He also extended financial assistance to 248 policemen affected by the typhoon.
