Police forces in areas affected by tropical storm Paeng have been instructed to maximize assistance to the local government units especially in road-clearing operations and in relief distribution.

Police General Rodolfo Azurin Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said clearing roads, particularly highways, is essential to ensure that even the remote areas would be accessible to relief assistance from the national government.

At least 1.8 million families were affected by Paeng over the weekend due to landslides and widespread flooding. At least 110 people were reported dead while 31 others are still missing.

"Local PNP units are under instructions to provide necessary security and assistance to government health, aid, and public works personnel in disaster-stricken areas," said Azurin.

"Police Regional Offices were also instructed to keep all highways and major thoroughfares clear of debris and hazards for unhampered passage of emergency vehicles, personnel, equipment, relief supplies, and commercial cargo," he added.

Azurin said resources and personnel of disaster response-capable National Support Units are instructed to augment affected Police Regional Offices for disaster response operations in coordination with local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, local government units,  and other government agencies.

A number of policemen were already deployed and were tasked to secure evacuation centers, help in road clearing operations, securing evacuated communities, and aid distributions to distressed civilians.

The PNP chief said he also instructed all police commanders in the areas that would be affected by tropical storm Queenie to prepare.