BRIG. Gen. Westrimundo D. Obinque, Police Regional Office 5 director, on Thursday appealed for hygiene and dental supplies for thousands of residents of Albay affected by Mayon Volcano.
The PRO5 went on heightened alert on Monday amid the dangers posed by the volcano eruption which, according to state volcanologists could last for a few months.
“We are appealing to all would-be donors to also donate not only food and bottled water but also hygiene and dental supplies, including bath soap, toothpaste and toothbrush to the displaced residents,” said the Bicol police chief.
Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. ordered the Bicol police to be ready for deployment in areas where their assistance is needed.
A total of 253 Bicol policemen have already been deployed in the affected areas to help secure 3,759 families composed of 13,523 local residents who have evacuated to 21 government-run shelters.
The evacuees come from the 22 barangays in seven municipalities in Albay province.
Mayon Volcano is under Alert Level 3 due to “potential explosive activity happening within days or weeks.
The Albay provincial government had already expressed its readiness to evacuate more residents even in the weeks to come.
Authorities have widened the evacuation area in Albay as lava begins to flow from Mayon’s crater.
Residents inside the seven-kilometer extended danger zone were advised to prepare for possible evacuation.
