PRO 5 prepares ‘elite’ responders for cyclone season

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Philippine National Police (PNP) in the Bicol region took steps a week before the weather bureau announced the start of the typhoon season this month, ensuring that its emergency response teams are adequately trained for disaster response.

In preparation for powerful typhoons, heavy rains, and flooding, the Police Regional Office 5 (PRO5) conducted a seminar on search, rescue, and retrieval operations for 50 emergency responders last week.

Brig. Gen. Andrei Dizon, PNP regional director for Bicol, congratulated the participants who completed the seminar, emphasizing their important service to the people of Bicol.

Capt. Karen Formales, the facilitator of the event, stated that the seminar enhanced the disaster response skills of the responders in uniform.

“Ang ating pinaka layunin ay maihanda po ang ating mga kapulisan, sa mga probinsya at regional mobile force battalion para po sa mga pangyayari na kung saan alam naman po natin na ang ating rehiyon ay isa sa mga vulnerable areas sa natural calamities tulad ng bagyo at pagbaha,” Formales said.

Held in Bacacay, Albay, the seminar included training in basic life support, rescue techniques, and mass rescue operation procedures, particularly during flooding.

Practical exercises also covered basic swimming and water rescue techniques, according to Formales.

Lt. Eliseo Villar attended the seminar to acquire essential rescuing skills and enhance his personal competencies.

“Nag-volunteer po ako na mag attend sa seminar, habang bata pa, kaya pa, train lang ng train, mas better ang prepared for any calamity,” said Villar.

Most of the trainees have previous experience as rescuers during the flooding caused by Typhoon “Kristine” last November.

Formales noted that the graduates will form an “elite” team that the PRO5 will deploy for search, rescue, and retrieval operations.

The PRO5 has more than 200 personnel with skills in search, rescue, and retrieval operations during disasters both within and outside the region. (PIA Bicol)

During the 5-day Disaster Preparedness, Search, Rescue, and Retrieval Operations, participants performed CPR on a drowning victim during a simulation exercise held in Bacacay, Albay. (PIA 5)