PNP Mobilizes Full Force for ‘Inday’ Relief Operations as Typhoon Exits PAR

Manila, Philippines – July 12, 2026 – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has deployed thousands of personnel across Luzon and the Visayas to spearhead relief and rehabilitation efforts in the wake of Typhoon Inday, which continues to affect the country even as it moves away from the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). The massive operation, announced Sunday, aims to address widespread flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage caused by the storm and the enhanced southwest monsoon, or habagat.

A Swift Response to a Lingering Threat

PNP Chief General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. confirmed that over 8,000 police officers have been mobilized for search, rescue, and distribution of aid in the hardest-hit provinces. “Our priority is to ensure the safety of every Filipino. We are working hand-in-hand with local government units and disaster response agencies to reach isolated communities,” Azurin stated in a press briefing.

The deployment comes as the habagat continues to drench large swaths of Luzon and the Visayas, even as Inday—which peaked as a Category 3 typhoon—exited PAR early Sunday morning. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned that monsoon rains would persist, raising the risk of flash floods and landslides in mountainous regions.

Ground-Level Impact: Floods, Evacuations, and Damage

In the Bicol Region and parts of Central Luzon, floodwaters reached waist-deep levels in several municipalities, forcing over 120,000 residents to evacuate to temporary shelters. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported at least 15 confirmed fatalities, with 8 others missing, mostly due to drowning and landslides.

• Evacuations: More than 30,000 families have been moved to 450 evacuation centers across 12 provinces.
• Infrastructure: At least 20 roads and 5 bridges remain impassable, hampering relief efforts.
• Power Outages: Energy utilities report that 40% of affected areas are still without electricity, with full restoration expected within 72 hours.

Local officials in Quezon Province described the situation as “critical,” with some barangays accessible only by boat. “We have not seen this level of flooding since Typhoon Ulysses in 2020,” said Governor Angelina Tan. “The PNP’s arrival is a lifeline for our people.”

The Role of the Habagat in Worsening Conditions

While Inday itself brought destructive winds and heavy rain, its lingering interaction with the southwest monsoon has amplified the disaster. PAGASA meteorologist Dr. Maria Cecilia Monterola explained that the typhoon’s slow movement—at just 15 km/h—allowed it to draw in moisture from the West Philippine Sea, resulting in prolonged downpours.

“The habagat is not a separate event; it is being enhanced by Inday’s circulation. Even after the typhoon leaves PAR, the monsoon trough will continue to dump rain over the next 48 hours,” Monterola warned.

This dual weather system has made the PNP’s task more complex. In addition to rescue operations, police units are tasked with monitoring dam releases, particularly at the Angat and Magat dams, which are nearing critical levels.

Analysis: A Test of Disaster Preparedness

The deployment underscores a broader challenge for the Philippines, which averages 20 typhoons annually. While the PNP has a dedicated Disaster Incident Management Task Force, the scale of Inday’s aftermath reveals gaps in pre-emptive evacuations and logistics.

Dr. Ricardo Santos, a disaster risk reduction expert at the University of the Philippines, noted that climate change is making storms like Inday more unpredictable. “We are seeing a trend where even moderate typhoons cause severe damage because of the monsoon interaction. This requires a shift from reactive to proactive strategies, including better drainage systems and early warning protocols.”

The PNP’s rapid response, however, has been praised by civil society groups. “The police are doing a commendable job under difficult conditions,” said Maria Lourdes Sereno of the Philippine Red Cross. “But long-term recovery will require sustained funding and community resilience programs.”

Looking Ahead: Recovery and Resilience

As Inday continues its path toward Japan, the focus now shifts to rehabilitation. The PNP has set up 24-hour command centers in affected regions, coordinating with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to distribute food packs, hygiene kits, and medical supplies.

For residents like Juan dela Cruz of Infanta, Quezon, the road to normalcy is long. “We lost our home and our crops. But seeing the police and volunteers here gives us hope,” he said.

The government has allocated ₱2 billion in emergency funds, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expected to visit affected areas later this week. Meanwhile, PAGASA advises the public to remain vigilant as scattered rains are forecast through Wednesday.

In a country no stranger to nature’s fury, the lesson from Inday is clear: preparation must match the growing intensity of storms, and every agency—from the PNP to local governments—must be ready to act at a moment’s notice.