The Department of Health (DOH)-Region 7, through the Health Emergency Management Services (HEMS), conducted the mass casualty management exercise at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC).
The exercise started with two explosions. Bodies were found in the CCSC football pitch while emergency responders scampered to attend to the victims.
Policemen, firefighters, and personnel from the Explosive Ordnance Division were among those who responded to the alarm.
Patrick Liporada, senior health program officer of HEMS, said the responders were able to achieve the 15-minute response time after the explosion.
“Basically, the EOD, PNP (Philippine National Police), and Bureau of Fire Protection were able to timely respond and clear the area,” said Liporada.
Police Major Nolan Tagsip, chief of the Police Station 2, said the exercise was meant to enhance the skills of the police when responding to emergencies such as bombings.
Tagsip added that the exercise will also help the public learn what to do when there are mass gatherings.
“One purpose of this is to encourage the public or educate them what to do in this kind of situation. Like if there is an unattended baggage, they should not touch it until proper authorities arrive,” said Tagsip.