Manila: Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr., acting chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), on Tuesday directed local police forces to collaborate with agencies in search and rescue operations for at least 16 individuals who went missing due to recent weather disturbances.

According to Philippines News Agency, Nartatez has instructed territorial forces to assist in locating the missing persons, emphasizing the importance of police units as the first point of contact for those seeking help during such crises. He stressed the necessity of ensuring that the public's appeals for assistance are not ignored.

Nartatez expressed empathy towards families with missing members, acknowledging the emotional toll it takes. He highlighted the national government's commitment, including the PNP's, to utilize all available resources to reunite families with their lost relatives. He noted that the inherent familial bonds among Filipinos make the absence of a family member particularly poignant, and the absence of aid even more distressing.

The latest situational report from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) indicates that 12 of the missing persons are from Eastern Visayas, with two from Oriental Mindoro, and one each from the Bicol Region and Western Visayas.

Nartatez assured that the PNP is in active coordination with the NDRRMC and local government units to manage post-disaster responses in Masbate, the Mindoro provinces, and other regions severely impacted by Opong (international name Bualoi). This includes deploying personnel and resources necessary for relief distribution and rehabilitation initiatives in the affected areas.