Manila: Acting Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has mandated the provision of go bags to all police personnel nationwide to enhance the service’s emergency response capabilities in times of calamities. This directive comes in response to recent natural disasters including typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions that have impacted the country.

According to Philippines News Agency, the main goal of this initiative is to ensure that police personnel are prepared and capable of responding effectively during emergencies and disasters. Nartatez emphasized the importance of readiness, stating that when every police officer is prepared, the entire organization is equipped to handle any challenge or calamity.

Previously, the PNP Public Information Office began distributing emergency go bags to personnel, each containing essential survival items such as a first aid kit, ready-to-eat food, water, flashlight, whistle, and communication tools. Nartatez highlighted that the distribution is part of the PNP’s broader disaster preparedness and resilience program aimed at reinforcing operational readiness during calamities.

The ‘Go Bag for Every Pulis’ program will be implemented in phases, utilizing available logistics and resources within the PNP.

Meanwhile, the City of Taguig has initiated house-to-house distribution of emergency “Emergency Go-Bags” in residential communities, starting with the Centennial Village in Barangay Western Bicutan. A total of 1,248 “Emergency Go-Bags” have been distributed to residents of 13 buildings within the village to help families respond quickly and safely during emergencies.

Mayor Lani Cayetano explained that the initial distribution prioritizes medium to high-rise residential areas, identified as high-risk zones during earthquakes and other emergencies. Taguig is also completing the distribution of go bags to all city facilities and 156 child development centers, with other residential areas scheduled to receive theirs soon.

Cayetano stated that the distribution in Taguig schools was the beginning of a citywide initiative that aims to reach more than 200,000 households. She encouraged residents to stay informed through official city pages and barangay channels.