MANIL, Sept. 28 -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) is deploying humanitarian assistance teams to provide needed support to Masbate and other areas devastated by tropical cyclone Opong.

Masbate was the hardest hit by the onslaught of Opong, according to the Office of Civil Defense. The province was placed a state of calamity on Saturday.

In a statement on Sunday, PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Police Regional Offices of the affected regions, in coordination with local government units, will conduct mobilizations for post-disaster response.

"I have already directed the RDs (Regional Directors) of the affected regions to mobilize humanitarian teams that will assist in post-disaster response to help our affe...