Balatan FS personnel headed by SFO4 Joel B Dimaiwat, Officer-in-Charge conducted Inspection at the designated Evacuation center of Brgy. Duran and Brgy. Laganac on November 15, 2024 to ensure the safety of evacuees for the upcoming Typhoon Pepito. (Photo from BFP R5 Balatan Fire Station)
QUEZON CITY (PIA) — The Bureau of Fire Protection Region 5 (Bicol Region) has fully activated its “Oplan PAGHALASA” (Operational Plan Paghahanda Laban sa Sakuna) as Typhoon Pepito (Man-yi) threatens to heavily impact several communities in the locality.
BFP Chief, Director Louie Puracan, has emphasized the bureau’s elevation of the standards of disaster response by all its stations and units across the country.
The region’s Bulan Fire Station reported its close coordination with the Bulan Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Office (DRRMO) for possible deployment and monitoring of updated data bulletins of flooded barangays, evacuated families, and stranded passengers, as well as detailing of precautionary measures and response to the possible effects and damages by the typhoon.
Balatan Station said it accounted for all its personnel to ensure the availability of resources as needed.
Cabusao Station conducted an accounting/headcount of personnel to ensure 100% attendance of all manpower for the disaster response. It also inspected all designated evacuation centers in the municipality.
Dinalungan Station participated in the Municipal Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) meeting and undertook preparedness measures.
Tabaco City Station coordinated with the City DRRMO on preparations for TS Pepito, as well as deployed personnel in the Command Center to facilitate the relay of vital information amid the storm threat.
Irosin Station reported intensifying its preparedness for the storm as well as conducting a headcount of all its personnel and an inventory of rescue tools and equipment.
The fire stations in Pio Duran, Albay, Buhi, Sorsogon, Tiwi, Panganiban, Iriga City, Garchitorena, and all the other towns of Region 5 likewise reported their Oplan PAGHALASA measures, assuring BFP’s readiness to extend assistance to residents amid the impact of the weather disturbance.
Naga City Station, meanwhile, earlier reported mobilizing its Special Rescue Force in the search and rescue operation for a certain nursing student. It said it utilized its K9 unit in the operation amid the thick mud, dense vegetation, and strong water currents in the area.
The City Fire Station said, “The contribution of BFP’s K9 unit once again highlights the critical role these teams play in search and rescue operations.” (PIA DMD)
