By Nonoy Lacson
ZAMBOANGA CITY - Philippine Navy vessel of the Naval Forces Western (NaForWeM) Mindanao responded to a three-hour fire that started at dawn Monday at Port area in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.
Philippine Navy (Photo courtesy of navy.mil.ph | Manila Bulletin)
NaForWeM commander Rear Adm. Rene V. Medina said Monday soldiers from BRP Miguel Malvar (PS 19) responded to a fire incident that took place at Kahapan St., Port Area about 2:30 a.m and was declared under control by the Bureau of Fire Protection at around 5:30 a.m.
Medina said Cdr. Charles Merric Villanueva head of PS 19 sent two firefighting teams with pumps and fire hoses to combat the fire.
The fire had gutted several buildings and houses in the nearby vicinity of Bongao Pier. PS 19 was moored at the pier when the incident transpired.
Medina added that navy men also rescued and evacuated about 50 families in the area with no casualties that were reported.
The immediate and prompt action of the two firefighting teams of PS 19 prevented the spread of fire in the port area which could have razed nearby houses and establishments, Medina said.
The immediate response by the Philippine Navy was acknowledged by the Municipal Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Council, according to Medina..
“Rest assured that the Philippine Navy will continuously provide services and assistance to its citizens in times of disaster,” he said.