QUEZON CITY — The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has beefed up its disaster response operations as it extended critical support in relief, rescue, and evacuation operations in areas heavily affected by Typhoon Nika (Toraji) and the other preceding weather disturbances.
The BFP, along with the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, were alerted and tasked by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for government response to the impact of the typhoons.
The DILG specifically highlighted the crucial role that BFP personnel can perform in disaster response.
BFP chief, Director Louie Puracan, earlier put the bureau on ready mode as the successive typhoons hit the country.
“BFP units are fully prepared and ready to respond to emergencies across affected regions,” he said.
The bureau was again put on high alert as Typhoon Nika intensified.
Today, Nov. 12, the BFP deployed teams for rescue, relief, and clearing operations in Nika-affected areas in Cagayan Valley.
BFP Region 2 Director, Chief Supt. Jerry Cordero Lamanero, said the deployed personnel were composed of highly skilled rescuers, medics, and support staff.
“They braved floodwaters and difficult conditions to assist residents and provide emergency medical support,” he noted.
He said that aside from the rescue operations, the teams also supported clearing operations across affected areas that are vital in restoring accessibility and safety for communities heavily impacted by the storm.
Equipped with chainsaws and other clearing equipment, the teams partnered with other agencies to ensure thorough and rapid clearing of critical routes and public spaces, he added.
“BFP-R2 personnel tackled priority areas including main roads, bridges, and community centers. The clearing operations allowed for faster access for emergency responders and hastened the delivery of much-needed aid to affected families,’’ Lamanero pointed out.’
The BFP teams also assisted in evacuating families from high-risk areas to reach designated evacuation centers safely, he said. (PIA DMD)
