ILOILO – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Region 6 has deployed its Special Rescue Force (SRF) to Bogo City, Cebu, to assist in disaster response and humanitarian operations following the devastating 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu and nearby provinces.
On October 1, Fire Senior Supt. Bartolome O. Beliran, Assistant Regional Director for Operations, personally led the send-off of 20 firefighters comprising the SRF team. The deployment was aimed at augmenting the search, rescue, and retrieval operations spearheaded by BFP Central Visayas.
By October 2, the SRF, led by Fire Senior Insp. Mark Angelo D. Caligdong, officially reported at the Incident Command Post in Bogo City. That same evening, the last missing victim of the earthquake was recovered, signaling the termination of search and retrieval efforts and shifting the mission focus to humanitarian support.
The following day, October 3, the SRF joined relief operations for displaced families. The firefighters assisted in the repacking of food packs and essential goods provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and partner donors for distribution to quake-stricken communities.
In addition, the BFP-6 team utilized its personnel transport vehicle (PTV) to help the Department of Education (DepEd) transfer vital school assets from the Division Office to DepEd Central School 1 in Barangay Cogon, ensuring the safekeeping of learning materials and equipment.
The BFP-6 emphasized that these efforts reflect the bayanihan spirit as government agencies, responders, and volunteers continue to work together to provide relief and support to affected residents.
“Beyond rescue operations, we stand ready to serve by extending assistance to communities in their recovery,” the BFP-6 said in a statement, reaffirming its commitment to public service and disaster resilience./PN
