CAMP OLIVAS, City of San Fernando, Pampanga — Police units across Central Luzon continued disaster response and humanitarian assistance operations Sunday as Typhoon Maymay and the southwest monsoon brought heavy rains and flooding to parts of the region.

As of Aug. 9, a total of 618 families, or 2,039 people, were staying in 46 evacuation centers across Central Luzon, based on consolidated reports from the Police Regional Office 3 and the Office of Civil Defense Region 3.

At least 132 barangays in Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales were affected by flooding. Eight roads in Bulacan and one in Pampanga remained impassable, along with a bridge in Bulacan.

PRO3 Director Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez ordered police commanders to sustain disaster response operations and comply with the PNP Critical Incident Management Operational Procedures.

Mendez also directed field commanders to closely monitor affected communities and ensure the timely deployment of personnel and resources for search and rescue, evacuation assistance, relief distribution and other emergency response activities.

Provincial and city police directors have been providing Mendez with regular updates on conditions in their respective areas, according to PRO3.

“Our priority remains the safety of our people,” Mendez said. “I have directed all commanders to sustain our operations and ensure that our personnel and resources are available wherever assistance is needed.”

He said police personnel would continue working with local government units and other agencies to assist communities affected by flooding and other hazards.

The operations are part of the PNP’s efforts to strengthen operational readiness and provide responsive police service during emergencies and calamities under the Focused Agenda of PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr.

PRO3 also urged residents to remain alert, follow evacuation and safety advisories, avoid flooded and impassable areas, and seek assistance from authorities when needed.

“As long as there are communities that need our help, our personnel will remain on the ground, ready to respond and serve,” Mendez said.