THE Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region deployed 80 personnel to earthquake-hit Cebu province on Wednesday, Oct. 1. (PRO-NIR)
BACOLOD CITY – Uniformed personnel from the Negros Island Region were sent to Cebu province to augment humanitarian assistance efforts in the aftermath of the magnitude-6.9 earthquake on Tuesday night, Sept. 30.
Eighty personnel from the Police Regional Office (PRO)-NIR and search and rescue equipment were deployed to Cebu on Wednesday, Oct. 1, to aid PRO-7 (Central Visayas).
Forty-one were from the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office and 39 from the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office. They are all trained in disaster response and emergency operations.
The augmentation team will be on the ground for an initial duration of two weeks to support evacuation efforts and search and rescue operations in earthquake-affected communities.
Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, said this deployment reflects the true spirit of ‘’bayanihan.’’
“By augmenting PRO-7, we extend not only our manpower but also our compassion and solidarity to earthquake-affected communities,” he added.
Ibay commended personnel for their courage and professionalism as they carry out this vital mission to save lives and ensure public safety.
The Army 3rd Infantry Division, through the 302nd Infantry Brigade and Joint Task Group Cebu, also deployed troops to Cebu on Wednesday.
Major Gen. Michael Samson, 3rd ID commander, commended the swift response and emphasized the Philippine Army’s unwavering commitment to humanitarian assistance.
He noted that the deployment exemplifies the division’s enduring mission to serve and protect communities in times of crisis.
“Our soldiers are not only trained for combat but are also prepared to extend help during disasters. In moments like these, we stand with our fellow Filipinos, not just as protectors, but as partners in recovery,” Samson said.
Twenty members of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-NIR, including four from the Bacolod Special Rescue Force, are currently deployed to SM Cares Village, Barangay Pulambato, Bogo City, Cebu.
Fire Supt. Jenny Mae Masip, Bacolod City fire marshal, said they remain in full support of the nationwide rescue and relief mission, standing firm with fellow Filipinos in this time of need.
The Coast Guard District Southern Visayas (CGDSV) mobilized two deployable response groups or rescue teams composed of medical personnel and elite members of the Special Operations Group (SOG).
Commodore Christopher Auro, CGDSV commander, said this coordinated effort aims to provide immediate assistance to affected communities.
Water and food provisions from the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) were secured to support the operation.