TACLOBAN CITY — The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO 8) under the leadership of PB/Gen. Jason Capoy, regional director, has deployed thousands of police personnel across Eastern Visayas to ensure public safety and assist in disaster response operations as typhoon “Tino” continues to affect the region.
As of 5:00 a.m., November 4, 2025, a total of 1,450 PNP personnel and 1,953 RSSF personnel have been mobilized across the region’s provinces and cities for disaster response, security, and evacuation assistance. Of these, 465 personnel were assigned to evacuation centers, 157 to vital installations, and 176 as Search, Rescue, and Retrieval (SRR) personnel.
In addition, 116 Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) personnel were deployed to various evacuation centers to safeguard vulnerable sectors during the storm.
A total of 3,319 evacuation centers were opened across the region, with 1,577 currently occupied. Reports showed that 54,273 families or 183,726 individuals have sought shelter in these facilities, mostly in Leyte, Samar, Northern Samar, and Eastern Samar provinces.
Leyte recorded the highest number of evacuees, with 19,813 families (67,946 individuals).
Rescue operations are ongoing, with three SRR operations conducted in Leyte, rescuing 60 individuals.
Meanwhile, the storm disrupted transportation services in parts of the region.
Seven domestic flights were cancelled in Tacloban City, while three sea voyages were halted in Leyte, Southern Leyte, and Samar.
A total of 431 passengers were stranded in seaports and 105 in airports, with 176 vehicles unable to leave port areas—71 of which were in Liloan, Southern Leyte, and 105 in Northern Samar.
PRO 8 reported no damaged police facilities, vehicles, or communication systems. However, 26 power lines were affected—11 in Leyte, 10 in Southern Leyte, two in Biliran, and three in Eastern Samar.
Flooding was noted in three barangays—one in Leyte and two in Northern Samar—though no communities were reported as isolated.
The PRO-8 also confirmed that no lawless incidents or crimes related to the storm were recorded, including looting or gender-based violence.
Capoy assured the public that all police units remain on heightened alert and are coordinating closely with local disaster response teams and local government units.
“The safety of our people remains our top priority. Our personnel are working round the clock to assist in evacuation, maintain peace and order, and provide immediate response where needed,” he said.
PRO 8 continues to monitor the situation as Tino moves across Eastern Visayas, urging the public to stay alert, follow local advisories, and cooperate with authorities.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
