PNP sets up help desks for Parola fire victims

MANILA, Philippines — Police have secured evacuation centers where over 2,000 families displaced by a fire at the Parola Compound in Binondo, Manila are taking shelter.

In compliance with the directive of President Marcos to protect the affected residents, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. yesterday deployed PNP personnel at the evacuation sites.

To ensure that the evacuees have immediate access to basic necessities, police assistance desks were set up at the evacuation centers.

“Our mandate is not only to maintain peace and order, but to make the people feel the presence of police at a time when they need it most,” Nartatez said in a statement.

He said a stronger police presence is necessary to prevent chaos from erupting in evacuation centers and to protect women, children and the elderly from harm.

“Police personnel were sent there not only to secure evacuation centers, but also to coordinate with the local government in providing other necessary assistance,” Nartatez said.

Nartatez has ordered police to assist the Bureau of Fire Protection in investigating the cause of the 10-hour fire.

In Taguig, around 400 families were left homeless after a fire swept through a residential area in Barangay Sta. Ana on Monday night.

The affected residents were evacuated to the Taguig Integrated School covered court and Sta. Ana multipurpose building.

City officials said each family would receive P10,000 in financial assistance.