Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur’’ Abalos Jr. has directed the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to make updated assessments on the infrastructures in various Mindanao areas that were recently struck by the 6.8 magnitude earthquake to ensure public safety.
“The safety of our citizens is our top priority here. Kaya inaatasan ko ang BFP na ipagpatuloy ang assessment sa mga pinsala sa mga tulay, paaralan, at iba pang imprastaktura. (That is why I directed the BFP to continue with its assessment on the damage of the bridges, schools and other infrastructures),’’ Abalos explained.
Abalos asserted that the results of the infrastructure assessment would then be used as the basis for possible intervention and assistance that will be provided to the affected communities and their residents.
On Nov. 24, Abalos joined President Ferdinand “Bongbong’’ Marcos, Jr. and other Cabinet members in visiting General Santos City to monitor the current situation and discuss the needs of affected local government units (LGUs) following the Nov. 17 earthquake.
“The President and Abalos arrived in General Santos City on Thursday afternoon, along with Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, and Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan to meet with local officials of General Santos City and Sarangani Province,’’ the DILG noted.
Sarangani Governor Rogelio Pacquiao and General Santos City Mayor Lorelei Pacquiao updated President Marcos and the other top officials on the damage caused by the earthquake in Sarangani, especially in the municipalities of Glan and Malapatan.
Based on the latest situation report of the BFP, Abalos stated that there was one structure that collapsed while 22 others were damaged in Region 11.
The same report indicated that there were five structures that collapsed while 253 were damaged in Region 12.
A total of 140 BFP personnel, 27 firetrucks and one ambulance were dispatched to assist and conduct search and rescue operations.
Abalos added the BFP’s assets, consisting of 306 fire trucks, nine collapsed search and rescue trucks and 25 ambulances and 2,029 personnel in Region 11, 12 and BARMM are ready to respond to any incident following the earthquake.