THE Silay City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office was deployed to northern Cebu on Friday, Oct. 3, to help earthquake victims. (Silay City DRRMO)
BACOLOD CITY – Several local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental have mobilized rescue and relief teams to assist communities in northern Cebu province devastated by the magnitude-6.9 earthquake on Sept. 30.
The One Negros Response Team, backed by the provincial government, departed for Cebu on Friday, Oct. 3. Their mission focuses on Bogo City and other heavily impacted areas.
The team has two water tankers, mobile water filtration units, an ambulance, rescue truck, utility vehicles, and other essential equipment.
Talisay City was the first to respond, dispatching its search and rescue team on Thursday, Oct. 2.
The Cadiz City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) also sent a team equipped with a water purifier.
In a statement, the team emphasized the importance of ‘’bayanihan’’ in times of crisis, offering not just aid but hope.
Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. expressed support, highlighting that each act of help, no matter how small, is driven by unity and compassion.
“To the people of Bogo and northern Cebu, our thoughts and prayers are with you. May this humble act of solidarity bring comfort and hope as you rebuild and recover. Your resilience inspires us, and your healing is our prayer,” he said.
San Carlos City, through its DRRMO, sent a water tanker with a three-member crew.
The team, part of the city’s Collapsed Structure Search and Rescue and Firefighting unit, is joining early recovery efforts. The local government urged prayers for their safety.
From Silay City, eight rescuers and a mobile water purification system were deployed to aid in producing safe drinking water and to assist in search, rescue, and relief operations.
Silay officials reaffirmed their commitment to regional solidarity and swift disaster response.
Rescue teams from Sipalay City, Sagay City, and other LGUs are currently on standby, prepared for deployment when needed.
All personnel dispatched are fully trained and equipped, ensuring they are capable of handling complex rescue missions in the affected areas.