Philippines
National
Bulacan volunteer-rescuers ought to be covered by P100K insurance, compensatory benefits
Bulacan volunteer-rescuers ought to be covered by P100K insurance, compensatory benefits
Each of the five volunteer-rescue personnel of the Bulacan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) who perished during a flash flood in San Miguel town at the height of Super Typhoon “Karding” is ought to be covered by an insurance with a minimum amount of P100,000 and other compensatory benefits.
This, if the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Memorandum Order No. 64 series of 2021 is to be made a basis, as it was created to protect disaster volunteers in accordance with the Republic Act No. 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.
The Bulacan volunteer-rescuers were conducting rescue operation to save stranded residents in Brgy. Camias when a sudden flash flood sent a wall to collapse on their boat on Sunday night, Sept. 25. The rescuers, who only transferred to the boat because of a defect in their truck, were swept away by strong water current, and it was only the following morning that their bodies were found in separate areas in the village.
They were identified as George Agustin, Troy Justin Agustin, Marby Bartolome, Jerson Resurreccion, and Narciso Calayag.
According to the NDRRMC memorandum order released on June 8, 2021, volunteer mobilizing organizations (VMOs) are “primarily responsible for the safety and welfare of all their disaster volunteers.”
VMOs refer to organizations such as government agencies and local government units that have accredited community disaster volunteers (ACDVs).
Part of efforts to protect disaster volunteers is the provision of a personal accident insurance with a minimum coverage of P100,000, the memo said.
“t a minimum, this insurance must include coverage for accidental death or dismemberment, permanent disability, and hospitalization cost reimbursement,” the memo read.
Aside from that, regional and local DRRM councils shall also extend compensatory benefits to the disaster volunteers which include burial assistance in case of their death. The amount, however, depends on the discretion of the local DRRM councils.
Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando assured the bereaved families of the victims that all the benefits intended for their loved ones will be turned over by the provincial government, noting though that no amount of money can replace the lives of the heroic volunteer-rescuers.
Fernando also promised to extend personal financial assistance to the slain rescuers’ families and settle the funeral arrangement for the victims.
“On behalf of the province of Bulacan, I whole-heartedly thank and honor the heroism that they exemplified in the fulfillment of their duties, to the extent that they sacrificed their lives,” the governor said.