CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — As part of its continuing commitment to strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience, the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) participated in the 4th Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) held on Thursday morning (Nov. 6) inside Camp Olivas.
The activity spearheaded by the Regional Community Affairs and Development Division headed by P/Col. Ferdinand D Germino aimed to enhance awareness, preparedness, and readiness among personnel by simulating real-life earthquake conditions to ensure that PNP personnel and civilian employees inside the camp can respond effectively during and after a seismic event.
At the sound of the one-minute siren, PNP personnel immediately performed the “Duck, Cover, and Hold” procedure, taking cover under desks and sturdy structures. Participants equipped with hard hats and go-bags evacuated their offices in single file, covering their heads to avoid possible injuries from falling debris, and proceeded to the designated evacuation area at the Parade Ground.
To simulate realistic conditions, responders from the Regional Medical and Dental Unit (RMDU) carried out mock rescue and first-aid operations, treating hypothetical injuries, assessing casualties, and demonstrating proper evacuation procedures.
PRO3 Director P/Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio I. Peñones Jr., emphasized that preparedness is an essential part of service discipline.
“Preparedness is not a routine activity but a duty we owe to the people we serve,” P/Brig. Gen. Peñones Jr. said. “Under the PNP Focused Agenda of Acting Chief PNP P/Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., particularly on Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), we continue to revisit, improve, and implement risk management plans at all levels — identifying vulnerabilities, assessing hazards, and ensuring that everyone knows their role before, during, and after any calamity.”
Over 1,000 participants, including PNP personnel, non-uniformed employees, police applicants, and students, took part in the drill.
The successful conduct of the 4th Quarter NSED demonstrates PRO3’s proactive approach to disaster risk reduction and management — reinforcing its commitment to Protect the People, Pursue Peace and Order, and Promote Professionalism, while ensuring that preparedness remains a vital part of public safety and police service. (UnliNews Online)
