CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM AND REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Background of the Study

San Francisco, officially the Municipality of San Francisco,

is a 1st class municipality in the province of Agusan del Sur,

Philippines. The municipality of San Francisco is located near

the Municipalities of Prosperidad and Rosario. Due to its

location, it is one of the prone areas to earthquake, floods and

landslides.

Disasters are events of huge magnitude and negative impacts

on society and environment. Disaster is also defined as a crisis

situation causing wide spread damage which far exceeds the

ability to recover (Wasssenhove, 2006). Disaster on the other

hand, is an event or series of events, which gives rise to

casualties and damage or loss of properties, infrastructures,

environment, essential services or means of livelihood on such a

scale which is beyond the normal capacity of the affected

community to cope with. Disaster is also sometimes described

as a “catastrophic situation in which the normal pattern of life

or eco-system has been disrupted and extra-ordinary emergency

interventions are required to save and preserve lives and or the

environment”.
 The Disaster Management Act, 2005 defines disaster as “a

catastrophe, mishap, calamity or grave occurrence in any area,

arising from natural or manmade causes, or by accident or

negligence which results in substantial loss of life or human

suffering or damage to, and destruction of, property, or damage

to, or degradation of, environment, and is of such a nature or

magnitude as to be beyond the coping capacity of the community of

the affected area”.

Moreover, the United Nations defines disaster as “the

occurrence of sudden or major misfortune which disrupts the basic

fabric and normal functioning of the society or community”. A

number of definitions of ‘disaster’ have been proposed over time,

many of them focusing on the actual hazard or event and its cost

in terms of loss of life or damage to property.

WHO defines disaster, as “Any occurrences that causes damage

ecological disruption, loss of human life, deterioration of

health and health services, on a scale sufficient to warrant an

extraordinary response from outside the affected community or

area.” Although, experts may differ in their definitions of

disaster, many public health practitioners would characterize a

disaster as a “sudden, extraordinary Calamity or Catastrophe,

which affects or threatens health.”

 Furthermore, disasters weather natural or man-made is very

common throughout the world. They occur without warning and are

perceived to be on an increase in their magnitude, frequency and

socio-economic impact. Disasters pose threats to the life of

peoples and assume serious proportions in the countries with

dense population areas.

During the 20th century, more than 200 worst natural

disasters occurred in the different parts of the earth and take

1.4 million people lives. Losses due to natural disasters are 25

times greater in the developing countries than in developed

countries. Asia continental is the most vulnerable to the list of

casualties due to natural disasters. The reason behind the losses

due to disasters is the lack of proper management. Today, we have

grabbed all fields of success sky or moon is our next

destinations but disasters destroy our envy. Disaster not only

gives us losses of people and property but also affects the

growth rate of the country.

The Municipality of San Francisco, Agusan del sur is known

to be one of the hazard prone areas out of nineteen (19)

municipalities here in the province of Agusan del sur where last

year December 18, 2020, the entire municipality was being flooded

brought by tropical cyclone “Vicky”. That is why, the researchers

tend to determine the Disaster Risk Management Operations of the

Police Officers in the Municipality of San Francisco on what are

there strategies, plans and preparation before, during and after

a certain calamity.

Review of Related Literature

This part of the study deals with the different related

literature that supports the study. This will discuss further the

concepts and other relevant information’s which is related to

this study.

Disaster

One of the most debated terms in disaster reduction remains

the basic definition of a disaster. Many scholars (see the work

of Quarantelli, 1998b; Quarantelli & Perry, 2005) have expressed

diverse views on what exactly constitutes a disaster.

The UNISDR (2009) defines a disaster as: “A serious

disruption of the functioning of a community or a society

involving widespread human, material, or environmental losses and

impacts which exceeds the ability of the affected community to

cope using only its own resources.”

On the other hand, the term disaster is reserved for events

that produce more losses than a community can handle. A community

struck by disaster can cope only with help from local, provincial
and national government, civil society and bodies such as Red

Cross. Lindell, Prater and Perry (2007) argue that disasters

cause many casualties, much property damage, and significant

environmental damage.

Further, Herzog (2007) suggests that disaster effects can be

lessened with insightful mitigation or planning efforts. Yodmani

(2001:23) suggests that disaster management practices have

evolved from largely a top-down relief and response approach to a

more inter-sectoral risk management approach. The paradigm of

risk management provides more room than before for addressing the

issues of risk reduction for the poor who are mostly vulnerable

to fast onset disasters. Because disaster management in the past

was dealing with response and recovery, disaster risk management

encapsulates all disaster management components (prevention,

preparedness, mitigation, response, recovery and rehabilitation).

Risk and Disaster Risk

Risk has various connotations within different disciplines.

In general risk is defined as “the combination of the probability

of an event and its negative consequences” (UNISDR, 2009). The

term risk is thus multidisciplinary and is used in a variety of

contexts. Risk is usually associated with the degree to which

humans cannot cope (lack of capacity) with a particular situation

(e.g. natural hazard).

 Emergency and Disaster Management

This involves: “The organization and management of resources

and responsibilities for addressing all aspects of emergencies,

in particular preparedness, response and initial recovery steps.

An emergency is a threatening condition which requires urgent

action. Effective emergency action can avoid the escalation of an

event into a disaster. It involves plans and institutional

arrangements to engage and guide the efforts of government, non-

government, voluntary and private agencies in comprehensive and

coordinated ways to respond to the entire spectrum of emergency

need” (UNISDR, 2009).

Disaster Risk Reduction

Disaster risk reduction (also referred to as just disaster

reduction) is defined as the concept and practice of reducing

disaster risks through systematic efforts to analyze and manage

the causal factors of disasters, including through reduced

exposure to hazards, lessened vulnerability of people and

property, wise management of land and the environment, and

improved preparedness for adverse effects. Disaster reduction

strategies include, primarily, vulnerability and risk assessment,

as well as a number of institutional capacities and operational

abilities. The assessment of the vulnerability of critical

facilities, social and economic infrastructure, the use of

effective early warning systems, and the application of many

different types of scientific, technical, and other skilled

abilities are essential features of disaster risk reduction.

Disaster Risk Management

Disaster risk management is the systematic process of using

administrative directives, organizations, and operational skills

and capacities to implement strategies, polices and improved

coping capacities in order to lessen the adverse impacts of

hazards and their possibility of disaster. Disaster risk

management aims to avoid, lessen or transfer the adverse effects

of hazards through activities and measures for prevention,

mitigation and preparedness (UNISDR, 2009).

Geographical Location of the Philippines

In other way around, the geographical location of the

Philippines being situated between the Pacific and Eurasian

Plates makes it a constant target of highly destructive natural

disaster and calamities such as storm surges, floods, landslides,

earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and typhoons. We realized that

such events cannot be prevented, however, we can initiate

activities to mitigate the impact and prevent or minimize the

loss of lives and properties.

SOP for Police on Natural Disaster

Police organization has to see itself as a major player in

disaster management. It will continue to have the first responder

role given its proximity to the incident site and relationship

with the people. Therefore, it has to bring about change in its

approach. It has to adopt disaster management function as a one

of its primary functions. State & district level authorities

cannot afford to wait for response specialized forces such as

NDRF all the time.

Moreover, on many occasions, it might not be advisable or

feasible to obtain/deploy armed forces and NDRF. Hence, state

police must be prepared as response force. The local police must

be trained, equipped and supported with legislation and logistics

so that they find themselves capable to support the victim in the

“golden hour”.

Subsequently, they can play supporting role to the

specialist forces if and when they come in bigger emergency

cases. On many occasions Special Forces are not required and the

local police may retain the primary role to help the needy. The

outside forces are also handicapped in operating in unknown area,

among unknown people and here is the key to critical role of

police. The police are among the first responders in any crisis

because, 1.) Local police arrive first. 2.) Possess well

developed communication system. 3.) Familiar with local terrain.

4.) Wider reach, every village covered. 5.) Better knowledge of

local people feelings and mindset and 6.) People recognize police

as first responder uniformed and discipline.

While functions of local police are well defined for

internal emergency, same is not true for natural disasters. But

wherever earthquake or flood occurs, the police get involved from

beginning. Henceforward, if their role is designed and documented

in police manuals, disaster management acts and policies, it

will, to that extent facilitate immediate effective response, at

least in the first few hours which are most crucial. The need to

frame SOPs that can help the police forces in being prepared and

respond appropriated whenever any disaster happens.

Timely preparation and close coordination between and among

the various offices and units concerned are of utmost importance

in providing efficient and effective response during natural

calamities and in adequately addressing this imminent threat of

climate change.

IMPLAN “SAKLOLO 2014" (POLICING DURING DISASTER)

Republic Act (RA) 10121, otherwise known as the Philippine

Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010”, was enacted

on 27 May 2010. This law paved the way for the

institutionalization of the proactive Disaster Risk Reduction and

Management or “DRRM” approach, which is the “systematic process

of using administrative directives, organizations, and

operational skills and capacities to implement strategies,

policies and improved coping capacities in order to lessen the

adverse impacts of hazards and the possibility of disaster.”

(Republic Act No. 10121, (2010) 7925, (1994). Philippine

Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010. An Act

Strengthening the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and

Management System, providing for the National Disaster Risk

Reduction and Management and Institutionalizing the National

Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan, Appropriating Funds

Therefore and for other Purposes: Quezon City, 14th Congress of

the Philippines.)

Republic Act 10121 aims to Strengthen the Philippine

Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System, providing for the

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Framework and

Institutionalizing the National Disaster Risk Reduction and

Management Plan. In order to keep abreast with the National

government’s enhanced concepts on Disaster Risk Reduction and

Management System, the Philippine National Police deemed it

appropriate to revisit and revise its disaster preparedness and

response operations. It is along this line that PNP Disaster Risk

Reduction and Management Plan is crafted.

 Moreover, the Philippine National Police as a member agency

of National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council

(NDRRMC)and also the principal policy-making and coordinating

body, shall adopt and conduct the three-stage disaster

preparedness and response operations namely: 1.) Pre-Disaster

Stage (Pro- active Assessment Stage, 2.) Disaster Response Stage

(Disaster Incident Management) and 3.) Post-Disaster Stage

(Support to Recovery and Rehabilitation Effort).

Concept of Operation:

1.Pre-Disaster Stage – Pro-active Assessment (Level 1 – Green).

The Pre-Disaster Stage is categorized into two: Before Alarm and

After Alarm. When there are no disasters or calamities, the

following shall be undertaken: A. Before Alarm – A year-round

activities in preparation for a disaster. 1.) Participate in

disaster drills simulation exercise (earthquake, fire, etc.) and

trainings; 2.) Capability enhancement through procurement of

Search and Rescue Equipment upon the availability of funds 3.)

Periodic auditing and inspection of Search, Rescue Retrieval

Personnel and Equipment to ensure operational readiness. 4.)

Assist in the conduct of risk-mapping and identification of

disaster-prone areas. 5.) Identification of evacuation routes and

evacuation centers for the public and family of PNP first

responders.6.) Identification of vital installations and business

establishments prone to looting.7.) Production and distribution

of Information Education Campaign materials. And 8.) Assistance

to community organizational work for other community mobilization

activities.

b. After Alarm – When there is an official forecast of an

incoming

natural disaster in the country from the Philippine Atmospheric,

Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA),

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) and

other government disaster advisory councils, the following are

the things to be done after the pronouncement of an impending

disaster: 1.) Forced evacuation for PNP first responder families

and direct them to proceed to the PNP evacuation centers. 2.)

Assist in the forced evacuation of civilians as requested. 3.)

Reinforcement of PNP buildings/establishments. 4.) Alert all PNP

Personnel and prepare and inspect SRR equipment for deployment.

And 5.) Coordination and linkages with LDRRMC.

2.Disaster Response Stage – Disaster Incident Management (Level

2-Red). When the disaster occurs after an official forecast or

when an unexpected natural disaster suddenly occurs in the

country, hereunder are the activities to be undertaken: A.

Activation of the following: 1.) Disaster Incident Management

Task Groups at the

appropriate level prior to the expected landfall. 2.) PNP Sub-

Committee on Disaster Management. 3.) PNP National Disaster

Operations Center at the PNP National Operations Center –

Situation Monitoring Room. 4.) Incident Command Post by Task

Groups whose area is hit by the disaster. B.) Support NDRRMC in

policing during disaster. C.) Assistance to forced

relocation/evacuation of residents in disaster-prone areas. D.)

Conduct of appropriate disaster response and police intervention

in support to LDRRMC.

3. Post-Disaster Stage – Support to Recovery and Rehabilitation

Efforts (Level 3 – White): a.) Law and Order. b.) Security during

relief operations and, c.) Security and traffic management

operations.

(https://dpcr.pnp.gov.ph/portal/images/downloads/CAD/Implan

%20SAKLOLO%202014%20(Policing%20during%20Disaster).pdf )

The Phases of the Disaster Management Cycle

Phase 1: Pre- Disaster

The pre-disaster phase is, in many ways, the most important.

With rare exceptions, the occurrence of disasters is in principle

predictable, although not their precise location, timing, or

severity. For this reason, a variety of measures should be taken

in advance, notably in the areas of risk assessment,

mitigation/prevention, disaster preparedness, and risk reduction.

There is a close link between disaster risk reduction and

preparedness. Risk reduction activities within the pre-disaster

phase often focus particularly at the community level. They fall

within the conceptual framework of elements considered likely to

minimize vulnerabilities and disaster risks throughout a society

to avoid (prevent) or limit (mitigate and prepare for) the

adverse

impacts of hazards, within the broad context of sustainable

development.

The disaster risk reduction framework encompasses the

following fields of action (UNISDR 2002, p. 23):1. Risk awareness

and assessment, including hazard analysis and

vulnerability/capacity analysis. 2 Knowledge development,

including education, training, research, and information. 3.

Public commitment and institutional frameworks, including

organizational, policy, legislation, and community action. 4.

Application of measures, including environmental management,

land-use and urban planning, protection of critical facilities,

application of science and technology, partnership and

networking, and financial instruments. 5. Early warning systems,

including forecasting, dissemination of warnings, preparedness

measures, and reaction capacities.

Phase 2: Response

The response phase begins immediately after a disaster

strikes and encompasses both immediate response (relief) and

medium-term response, the latter of which attempts to begin to

re-establish functionality of systems and infrastructure. a.)

Once a disaster has taken place, the first concern is effective

relief—helping those affected to recover from the immediate

effects of the disaster. Such relief work includes providing

food, clothing, shelter, and medical care to victims. For rapid

onset disasters, such as earthquakes, this phase may last for

weeks or a few months. For slow onset disasters, such as

droughts, it may last months or even years. b.) Medium-term

response takes the first steps toward recovery by assessing

damage to infrastructure, communities, institutions, industry,

and business and by planning measures necessary to restore these

two previous levels or better.

Phase 3: Post-Disaster

The post-disaster phase includes activities in the fields of

recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction. It also affords an

opportunity to develop disaster risk reduction measures, which

can be applied during the next pre-disaster phase (that is, Phase
1). This phase includes the following: a.) Decisions and actions

taken after a disaster with a view to restoring or improving the

pre-disaster living conditions of the stricken community, while

encouraging and facilitating necessary adjustments to reduce

disaster risk. b.) Restoring the basic services needed to enable

life to move back toward “normalcy.” c.) External support, such

as loans to governments, technical assistance, resources for

farmers, and help for businesses to restart. d.) Rebuilding homes

and industry, which is linked to restoration of social and

economic development. It is important at this stage to design

stronger buildings that are able to withstand future disasters.

e.) Activities focused on enabling communities to protect

themselves. Such measures need to be particularly available to

those at greatest risk—the poorest and most vulnerable in the

community.

(https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/bitstream/handle/10986/27353

/657860NWP0Box30at0disaster0response.pdf?sequence=1)

PNP Disaster Response Handbook

The directorate for Police Community Relations have taken

the lead in the PNP’s preparedness and response management in

times of natural disasters and calamities. With this development

and added responsibility, it continuously strives to enhance the

PNP’s capacity and capability to respond efficiently to all forms

of disasters that are commonly experience in our country. With

this, s handbook is purposively design to guide every policeman

on what actions to be undertaken, before, during and after an

occurrence of a natural calamity.

Safety and Response General Guidelines for all PNP Units

1. Security and safety of personnel must always be considered in

the conduct of disaster response operations. 2. All PNP

Units/Offices shall train their men on disaster incident

management using their available resources. 3. All responding

units shall operate on their existing logistical and financial

allocation. On the other hand, the NHQ PNP shall provide

additional logistics and financial support on a case to case

basis. 4. Timely reports on disaster operations to include report

on the extent, nature and location of damages should be

immediately relayed to higher headquarters and local NDRRMC. 5.

PNP personnel shall wear the standard PNP Search and Rescue

attire while performing disaster response operations. 6.

Coordination between echelons of the civil organization and

military units is encouraged. 7. Level of response of all task

group shall be done as much as possible at the lowest level and

only seek assistance to the next level when resources (manpower

and material) are not enough to manage the disaster incident. 8.

The adjacent PNP units or stations which are not affected by the
disaster shall immediately respond and assist the severely

affected area. 9. Only the designated Public Information Officer

of the PNP unit concerned is authorized to release information to

the media. However, Unit Commanders may issue relevant statement

and information to the media as the situation may require. 10.

PNP Units/Offices and personnel must have reliable alternate

communication equipment to ensure 24-hour connectivity.

11. PNP offices/units are encouraged to acquire additional Search

and Rescue Equipment (Team and Individual) as may deemed suitable

in their peculiar requirement.

Disaster Response Checklist

a. Flooding Incident Response Checklist

Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural

disasters. Conditions that cause floods include heavy or steady

rain for several hours or days that saturates the ground. Flash

floods occur suddenly due to rapidly rising water along a stream

or low-lying area.1. Preparations Upon Receipt of Flood Warning

(flooding will occur soon in the area): a. ) Coordinate with the

local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC) and

PAG-ASA; b.) Alert residents thru previously established warning

system; 1. Patrol car sirens; 2. Ringing of church bell and; 3.

Use of megaphones c.) Pre-emptive Evacuation of residents in

flood-prone areas in coordination with concerned agencies; d.)

Institute police visibility in vacated areas; e.) Provide

security at designated Evacuation Centers; f.) As the situation

may require, activate Disaster Incident Management Task Group (as

per LOI 35/10 Saklolo Revised); and g.) Ensure readiness of the

SAR equipment and supplies ex. rubber boat, utility rope,

floating device, multi-tool items, flashlights with extra

battery, communications equipment, first aid kit, sugar-high

food, etc.).

2. Actions During Flooding Incidents: a.) Assist in the

imposition of forced relocation of remaining residents to

evacuation centers in coordination with the local DRRMC; b.)

Deploy SAR assets for timely and rapid disaster response; c.)

Maintain contact with lower, adjacent and higher units; d.)

Conduct Search and Rescue operations; e.) Assist concerned

agencies in the conduct of medical assistance; and f.) Adjacent

PNP units/offices to assist severely affected areas until such

time that the local police units affected have recovered from the

disaster and are ready to handle the incident.

3. After the Flooding Incident: a.) Assist in the conduct of

relief operations in coordination with concerned agencies; b.)

Assist concerned agencies in the conduct of medical assistance;

c.) Ensure continued presence of security personnel in evacuation

centers; d.) Assist in the clearing of major routes from debris

and obstacles; e.) Provide traffic assistance along critical

routes; and f.) low residents to return home only when officials

have declared the area safe.

b. Earthquake Safety & Response Checklist

An earthquake is a sudden, rapid shaking of the earth caused

by the breaking and shifting of rock beneath the earth’s surface.

Earthquakes strike suddenly, without warning, and they can occur

at any time of the year, day or night.

A Reminder: Doorways are no stronger than any other part of

the structure. During an earthquake, get under a solid piece of

furniture and hold on. This will provide some protection from

falling objects that can injure you during an earthquake. As

earthquakes occur without warning, preparations are very critical

to lessen its impact.

1. Preparations that a PNP member or unit should do: a.)

Establishment of primary and secondary evacuation centers in

coordination with concerned agencies and LGUs; b.) Capability and

capacity enhancement;1. earthquake drills/simulation exercises

and 2. inventory of SAR equipment c.) Meetings and coordination

with concerned agencies and LGUs; d.) Public Information Effort

on earthquake preparations thru community visits; e.) Identify

safe places in your home or workplace. Practice drop, cover and

hold. (under a piece of furniture, against an interior wall away

from windows, bookcases or tall furniture that could fall on

you); and f.) Ensure readiness of the SAR equipment and

supplies.

2. Actions During Earthquake Incidents: a.) If you are

inside a building;1. Drop, cover and hold.2. Move as little as

possible.

3. Stay away from windows to avoid being injured by shattered

glass.4. Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you are sure it

is safe to exit.5. If you must leave the building after the

shaking stops, use stairs rather than an elevator in case there

are aftershocks, power outages or other damage. b.) If you are

outdoor when the earthquake occurs;1.) Find a clear spot (away

from buildings, power lines, trees, streetlights) and drop to the

ground. Stay there until the shaking stops. 2. If you are in a

vehicle, pull over to - If you are in a vehicle, pull over to a

clear location and stop. Avoid bridges, overpasses and power

lines if possible. Stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until

the shaking stops. Then, drive carefully, avoiding bridges and

ramps that may have been damaged.3. If a power line falls on your

vehicle, do not get out. Wait for assistance.4. If you are in a

mountainous area or near unstable slopes or cliffs, be alert for

falling rocks and other debris. Landslides are often triggered by

earthquakes. c.) Mobilize SAR assets for disaster response and

Search & Rescue operations; d.) Assist concerned agencies in the

conduct of medical assistance; e.) Maintain contact with lower,

adjacent and higher units; f.) Adjacent PNP units/offices to

assist severely affected areas; g.) Employment of Alarm system

(police sirens, ringing of church bells, megaphones, whistles)

for pre-emptive evacuation especially in beach front areas as

tsunami may

occur; h.) All PNP units in affected area shall be on full

disaster response status until the situation normalizes; i.)

Activation of respective DIMTGs following the level of activation

as per LOI 35/10 “SAKLOLO REVISED”; j.) Establishment of Command

Post by Task Groups whose area is hit by the earthquake. k.)

Provide security at Evacuation Centers; and l.) Provide traffic

advisory to prevent motorists from entering the danger

zone/restricted areas.

3. After the Earthquake Incident: a.) Expect and prepare for

potential aftershocks, landslides or even a tsunami. Each time

you feel an aftershock, drop, cover and hold on. Aftershocks

frequently occur minutes, days, weeks and even months following

an earthquake; b.) Assist in the conduct of relief operations in

coordination with concerned agencies; c.) Assist concerned

agencies in the conduct of medical assistance; d.) Ensure

continued presence of security personnel in evacuation centers;

e.) Assist in the clearing of major routes from debris and

obstacles; f.) Provide traffic assistance along critical routes;

and g.) Allow residents to return home only when officials have

declared the area safe.

Typhoon Safety and Response Checklist

With an average of twenty (20) tropical storms traversing

the Philippines every year, the devastating effects caused by

this natural disaster have resulted in the dislocation of

thousands of

families, loss of many lives, massive destruction to properties

and agricultural products and have tremendously affected the

country’s economy. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and

Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) releases tropical

cyclone warnings in the form of Public Storm Warning Signals

(PSWS), classified as follows: Signal # 1 - Tropical cyclone

winds of 30 km/h to 60 km/h are expected within the next 36

hours. (Note: If a tropical cyclone forms very close to the area,

then a shorter

lead time is seen on the warning bulletin.). Signal # 2 -

Tropical cyclone winds of 60 km/h to 100 km/h are expected w/in

the next 24 hrs.Signal # 3 - Tropical cyclone winds of 100 km/h

to 185 km/h are expected within the next 18 hours. Signal # 4 -

Tropical cyclone winds of greater than 185 km/h are expected

within 12 hours.

1. Preparations for an Impending Typhoon/Tropical Storm: a.)

Coordinate with PAG-ASA, NDRRMC and other government agencies;

b.) Activation of Disaster Incident Management Task Groups in

areas expected to be hit by the serious weather disturbance prior

to the expected landfall; c.) Declaration of full disaster

response status of PNP units in affected area until the situation

normalizes; d.) Employ alarm and warning systems as stipulated

under DILG MC 2009-165: 1.Patrol car sirens, 2. Ringing of church

bells 3.) Use of megaphone. e.) Coordinate with local DRRMC for

advisory and to support its disaster response; f.) Activation of

Command Post by Task Groups whose area is hit by the disaster;

g.) Assist in forced relocation/pre-emptive evacuation of

residents in flood-prone h.) areas in coordination with

corresponding LDRRMC i.) Institute police visibility in vacated

areas; j.) Provide security at designated Evacuation Centers; k.)

Ensure readiness of the SAR equipment and supplies (ex. Rubber

boat, utility rope, floating device, multi-tool items,

flashlights with extra battery, communications equipment, first

aid kit, sugar-high food, etc..).

 2. Actions During a Tropical Storm: a.) Assist in the

imposition of forced relocation in coordination with the local

DRRMC of remaining residents to evacuation centers; b.) Deploy

SAR assets for timely and rapid disaster response according to

needs in the area; c.) Maintain contact with lower, adjacent and

higher units; d.) Conduct Search and Rescue operations; e.)

Provide medical assistance; and f.) Adjacent PNP units/offices to

assist severely affected areas.

3. Actions After a Tropical Storm: a.) Assist in the conduct of

relief operations in coordination with concerned agencies; b.)

Assist concerned agencies in the conduct of medical assistance;

c.) Ensure continued presence of security personnel in evacuation

centers; d.) Assist in the clearing of major routes from debris

and obstacles; e.) Provide traffic assistance along critical

routes; and f.) Allow residents to return home only when

officials have declared the area safe.

(Republic Act 10121 (The Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and

Management Act of 2010). (PNP LOI 35/10 “SAKLOLO REVISED”)

Disaster risk is a societal commonality. It affects everyone

and all the systems on which we depend. Solving these intricate

problems requires a transdisciplinary approach and focus. It is

important that we adjust our “lens” of reality to include issues

of disaster risk. The linkage with development provides us with

an ideal opportunity to address and solve many of the issues

associated with disasters and their impact.

(COMFORT, l., WISNER, B., CUTTER, S., PULWARTY, R., HEWITT,

K., OLIVERSMITH, A., WIENER, J., FORDHAM, M., PEACOCK, W. &

KRIMGOLD, F. 1999. Reframing disaster policy: the global

evolution of vulnerable communities.

http://webra.cas.sc.edu/hvri/pubs/1999_ReframingDisasterPolicy.p

df Date of access: 12 Sep. 2011.)

Conceptual Framework

This section provides the discussion about the inter-

relationship of independent and dependent variables.

This research paradigm provides a review of the Disaster

Risk Management Operation of Police Officers in San Francisco,

Agusan del Sur. On left box is the independent variables

(Disaster Preparedness) where it has the following indicators

namely: Pre- Disaster Stage, Disaster Response Stage and Post

Disaster Stage. On the right box is the dependent variables

(Response Operations) in which it contains the following

indicators namely: Crowd Control, Public Safety, Directing

Traffic, Organizing Search Teams and Looters.

 Response Operations
Disaster Preparedness
 Crowd Control
 Pre- Disaster Stage  Public Safety
 Disaster Response  Directing Traffic
Stage  Organizing Search
 Post Disaster Stage Teams
 Looters

Figure 1. The Research Paradigm