Cops, soldiers help rebuild damaged bamboo bridge in Oriental Mindoro
Policemen and soldiers assisted local residents and barangay officials in rebuilding a damaged bamboo bridge in Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro. (photo-PRO-MIMAROPA)
Policemen and soldiers were deployed to a barangay in Bongabong town of Oriental Mindoro and helped rebuild a temporary bridge and reconnect a community that were earlier isolated when the bamboo bridge was away by strong river current.
The deployment of police and military personnel came a few days after members of the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), Oriental Mindoro Police Provincial Office rescued 12 teachers who were stranded when the bridge in Sitio Naswak in Barangay Lisap collapsed on Aug. 20.
Brig. Gen. Christopher dela Cruz, director of Police Regional Office 4-B covering the Mimaropa region, said the collapse of the bamboo bridge cut off the usual passage to and from Sitio Naswak and made it difficult for residents to travel to the main community
“Police and Army helped construct the temporary bridge to provide a passable route for residents while longer-term arrangements are being addressed by the concerned local authorities,” said dela Cruz.
The unformed personnel were assisted by barangay officials and local residents.
Dela Cruz commended the police personnel, soldiers, local officials, and residents who took part in the undertaking, “Our responsibility does not end when the rescue is over. When our communities need help getting back on their feet, we should be there with them.”
“What happened in Naswak shows what can be done when the police, military, local government, and community work together. Everyone had a part in helping restore a basic need of the people—a safe way to get home,” he added.
Dela Cruz said the temporary bridge now provides the residents of Sitio Naswak with a restored passage as the community continues to recover from the effects of the flooding.