The Bureau of Fire Protection-Negros Island Region sent off 20 carefully selected firefighters to Cebu to augment the ongoing Collapse Structure Search and Rescue (CSSR) operations in Bogo City, following the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that caused multiple deaths, injuries, widespread damage to infrastructures, and with several individuals still missing.
Talisay Mayor Rowena Lizares, meanwhile, said a Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) team from the city was also on its way to Bogo, as of press time, to provide additional CSSR manpower.
“Our goal is not only to protect and serve our city, but also to extend help outside whenever we can,” Lizares said in a post Oct. 1. “Our DRRM has proved its compassionate and reliable service over the years – we strive to continue this because this is how public service means to us.”
“After we received the request of the Office of the Civil Defense, our team will be now on its way,” she added. “Sa aton DRRM, ang aton Talisay’s bravest, we are praying for you and your safe return to our city.”
Meanwhile, of the BFP-NIR team, four personnel from the Bacolod City Fire Station-Special Rescue Force, under the supervision of F/Supt. Jenny Mae Masip, city fire marshal, were deployed onboard the Charlie 1-Rescue pickup vehicle donated by the City of Bacolod, and funded under the DRRMO.
They are fire officers 1 Maikee Acot, Marlon Coronel Jr., Jheffrey Ladanio, and Remart Nabua, the city fire station said.
They will join 16 other selected firefighters from different stations across NIR to reinforce the response efforts in Cebu.
“We extend our thanks to Mayor Greg Gasataya, Atty. Mark Steven Mayo, and Dr. Anna Maria Laarni Pornan, head of Bacolod DRRMO, for allowing the use of the donated rescue vehicle to support this life-saving mission,” the station stressed, as it called for “prayers for the safety and success of the firefighters as they carry out their duty with bravery, compassion, and dedication.” ||
