Ang Pahayagan

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — More than 1,000 participants joined the Police Regional Office 3’s (PRO3) conduct of the 2nd Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on June 18, 2026, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to disaster preparedness, emergency response, and public safety.

The drill, organized by the Regional Community Affairs and Development Division (RCADD) under the leadership of Police Colonel Ferdinand D. Germino, aimed to enhance the awareness, readiness, and response capabilities of police personnel and partner agencies in the event of a major earthquake.

At the sounding of the one-minute warning siren, participants immediately performed the standard “Duck, Cover, and Hold” procedure before carrying out an orderly evacuation. Wearing hard hats and carrying emergency go-bags, personnel exited their offices in single file while observing safety protocols against simulated falling debris and proceeded to the designated evacuation area at the Camp Olivas Parade Ground.

To further evaluate emergency response capabilities, personnel from the Regional Medical and Dental Unit (RMDU), in coordination with responders from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), conducted mock rescue and first-aid operations. The simulation included casualty assessment, treatment of simulated injuries, emergency extraction procedures, and demonstrations of proper disaster response and evacuation techniques.

Police Regional Director Police Brigadier General Jess B. Mendez emphasized that preparedness remains a vital component of police service and organizational discipline.

“Preparedness is not a routine activity but a duty we owe to the people we serve. Under the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly on Enhanced Managing Police Operations, we continue to review, improve, and implement risk management plans at all levels to ensure that our personnel are ready to respond effectively before, during, and after any calamity,” Mendez said.

Participants included uniformed and non-uniformed PNP personnel, students, and representatives from partner agencies, including the Bureau of Fire Protection, demonstrating a collective commitment to disaster resilience and community safety.

The successful conduct of the earthquake drill highlighted PRO3’s proactive approach to disaster risk reduction and management. Officials said the activity also strengthened inter-agency coordination and enhanced the operational readiness of responders in handling emergencies and natural disasters.

Through initiatives such as the NSED, PRO3 continues to reinforce its commitment to protecting lives, promoting public safety, and ensuring that communities across Central Luzon remain prepared and resilient in the face of disasters. (Jason de Asis)

📸 Preparedness saves lives. More than 1,000 participants, including PNP personnel, students, and partner agencies, took part in the 2nd Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill at Camp Olivas, Pampanga. The activity reinforced emergency response capabilities, disaster awareness, and inter-agency coordination, highlighting PRO3’s commitment to building safer and more resilient communities across Central Luzon. (Jason de Asis)