BACOLOD City — The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) strengthened its disaster preparedness and emergency response capabilities by participating in the Second Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill on June 18 at Camp Alfredo M. Montelibano Sr. in Barangay Estefania here.
The exercise brought together personnel from the PRO-NIR Regional Headquarters, National Support Units, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, underscoring the importance of inter-agency coordination in responding to natural disasters and other emergencies.
Acting Regional Director Brig. Gen. Romano V. Cardiño, represented by Brig. Gen. Villaflor S. Bannawagan, deputy regional director for administration, led the activity, which was observed by representatives from the Philippine Red Cross, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
Evaluators assessed participants’ compliance with emergency response procedures, communication protocols, and overall readiness to respond during disaster situations.
At the sound of the earthquake alarm, participants immediately performed the standard “Duck, Cover, and Hold” procedure before conducting an orderly evacuation to designated assembly areas.
Rescue and medical teams were then deployed to carry out simulated search-and-rescue operations, casualty retrieval, and first-aid response, testing the operational coordination of participating units and the effectiveness of established emergency response protocols.
In a message delivered during the activity, Cardiño emphasized that disaster preparedness should be viewed as a continuing responsibility rather than a routine compliance requirement.
“Preparedness is not merely a compliance activity but a shared responsibility that can save lives when disasters strike,” Cardiño said.
He noted that earthquakes occur without warning, making regular drills essential to improving response capabilities, strengthening inter-agency coordination, and fostering a culture of safety among police personnel and partner agencies.
Cardiño also highlighted the SAFE NIR Program—Seen, Appreciated, Felt, and Extraordinary Police Service—which promotes proactive preparedness, professional emergency response, timely assistance, and continuous improvement in public service delivery.
According to PRO-NIR, the successful conduct of the earthquake drill reflects the organization’s commitment to building a resilient and responsive police force capable of protecting lives and supporting communities during emergencies.
Authorities added that regular preparedness exercises remain vital in ensuring law enforcement personnel can respond swiftly and effectively to disasters, helping minimize risks and safeguard communities across the Negros Island Region./PN
