Photo from PRO 7
PRO 7 Activates Heightened Alert as Basyang Nears Central Visayas
Published on: February 06, 2026, 8:38 am
Although tropical cyclone Basyang, also known as Penha, has weakened following its landfall in Mindanao, authorities in Central Visayas are maintaining a state of high vigilance. In response to the impending threat, Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 has escalated its operational status from normal to heightened alert. This decisive move mandates that all police personnel remain on active duty, with strict prohibitions against any absences to ensure full readiness.
Comprehensive Mobilization of Police Resources
Under the heightened alert, officers have been instructed to sustain continuous surveillance until Basyang exits the Central Visayas region. Their focus includes closely monitoring areas susceptible to flooding and landslides, risks exacerbated by persistent heavy rainfall and strong winds. Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan, the director of PRO 7, confirmed that all necessary equipment has been fully mobilized in anticipation of the cyclone's impacts.
PRO 7 has undertaken a thorough inventory of its assets, encompassing personnel, mobility resources, and logistical support. This includes land and sea vehicles, specialized rescue gear, communication systems, and various emergency response tools. Additionally, Standby Support Forces and other police units have been placed on alert for rapid deployment, particularly targeting the southern areas of Cebu province where assistance may be urgently required.
24/7 Monitoring and Proactive Measures
General Maranan emphasized that police units across Cebu and Bohol are operating under round-the-clock monitoring protocols. These units will execute pre-emptive deployments to high-risk and vulnerable communities, actively support evacuation operations, and perform other critical emergency duties. "Our personnel, logistical resources, and mobility assets are in place to ensure swift response and effective assistance," Maranan stated. He further urged the public to stay vigilant, adhere to official advisories, and cooperate with authorities to safeguard everyone's well-being.
Enhanced Preparedness in Cebu City
In Cebu City, the local police office is specifically monitoring major rivers that have historically overflowed during previous typhoons, incidents that led to extensive flooding and tragic loss of lives. Police Lieutenant Colonel Jose Los Baños, the information officer for the Cebu City Police Office, reported that their Search and Rescue Team, Reactionary Standby Support Force, and Quick Response Team have already been activated. Continuous monitoring is ongoing as heavy rainfall persists from morning through afternoon, underscoring the region's preparedness efforts.
