Olango cops loses home due to Odette

CEBU, Philippines — More than a week after the onslaught of Typhoon Odette, the Olango Island Police Station in Lapu-Lapu City has continued their police functions even the upper floor of the building was torn out.

During the height of the typhoon on December 16, 2021, police stations were not spared.

As of Monday, Police Major Michael Gingoyon, Olango Island Police Station chief, admitted that they have to utilize the lower floor of the building to continue their services after the upper floor was blown out by the wind.

Before the typhoon, Gingoyon said they were still able to deploy some of their cops who were part of the disaster prevention team around the island.

When the typhoon hit the upper floor of their station, particularly at his office, the glass wall was smashed by a wood due to the strong wind.

"Akong office ang pinakadako og igo kay akong office man to’ng open kaayo kay wala man to’y sagang nga other buildings didto, ang station namo gyud, naa gyud sa sentro, isa man gud siya sa pinakataas nga building," said Gingoyon.

Further, the other important documents of the station including of Gingoyon weren't also spared by the typhoon.

Gingoyon further narrated that he and his men used his bed as a shield during the onslaught of the typhoon.

Since the upper floor was not safe anymore, Gingoyon said they took shelter in their detention facility adding that it was the safest room left in their station that wasn't destroyed.

"Na-blown out jud to among roof maong lisud kaayo, pag naa ka sa taas among conference room ug opisina di na gyud siya magamit kay mabasa jud ka og moulan," said Gingoyon.

"So far ang ubos magamit pa pero og moulan pud lagi og kusog kaayo mangabasa ang amoang mga gamit," he added.

Gingoyon also revealed that since their documents and computers were drenched with water, they can no longer use it as of present.

Right after the typhoon, Gingoyon said they continued providing assistance to the disaster unit on the road clearing operations and decided to set aside the problem of their station.

As of this writing, Gingoyon said the members of the station including him, have decided to purchase their own generator set from their own pocket in the absence of electricity in the island.

"Manuktok jud mi sa mga residente sa Olango, sa mga LGUs, mga force multipliers, mga partners nato, mga barangay tanod na dako kaayo silag importansya no, ilang kooperasyon sa kapolisan kay sa tinuoray lang sila jud among katimbang nga magpabiling malinawon ang Olango despite this challenges," said Gingoyon. —GMR (FREEMAN)