BACOLOD City — The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Bacolod City confirmed that none of its personnel were swept away by floodwaters during recent rescue operations in the city.
During calamities, the BFP responds to areas where residents need urgent assistance, particularly during typhoons, in addition to their regular fire service duties.
In a press statement released on November 25, Fire Superintendent Jenny Mae Masip, city fire marshal, assured the public that all BFP personnel and volunteers are safe and accounted for.
The statement was issued in response to circulating reports claiming that a BFP responder had been swept away by floodwaters during a rescue operation near Purok Mars and Purok Lechonan.
“We confirm that no such incident involving our personnel occurred,” the agency said.
The reported rescue operations were conducted in response to the effects of Tropical Depression “Verbena,” and BFP teams continue to work tirelessly to assist affected communities. The agency also urged the public to remain calm, stay vigilant, and rely only on verified information from official sources.
During the operations, BFP personnel rescued several individuals, including the elderly, persons with disabilities, and ailing residents, whose homes were affected by floodwaters.
Despite being deployed for flood rescues, BFP teams also responded to a fire call at around 6:30 a.m. on November 25 in Barangay Eroreco. A two-storey house was destroyed, with estimated damages reaching P1.6 million, though fortunately no casualties were reported. An investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the fire./PN
