Firemen to assist motorists during Lenten break

Firemen are on high alert in the province for the long weekend in relation to the Holy Week observance.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Negros Occidental through Fire Chief Insp. Rodel Legaspi bared that all BFP personnel, including those from the provincial office have been ordered to join both the police and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in assisting motorists traveling to various places during the Lenten break.

The BFP’s Special Rescue Force and Quick Response Teams will also be deployed to render assistance for any other emergencies such as fires or accidents.

The various fire stations in the province were also ordered to conduct “rekorida” or information drives for fire safety and prevention tips.

Among the tips being given out by the BFP include unplugging appliances and shutting off all liquified petroleum gas lines when leaving the house to avoid fires.

Earlier, the Negros Occidental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) announced that it will be placed on “blue alert” status from April 5 to 10.

In an order signed by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, he advised other city and municipal DRRMOs in the province to heighten their alert status and intensify road safety measures during the period.

Lacson also ordered deployment of responders and resources to different churches and beach resorts.

Meanwhile, the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office and the Bacolod City Police Office will assign their personnel to churches, other religious sites, terminals and resorts.

They have also instructed the police chiefs to install help desks in their respective areas of operation.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) have also been placed on heightened alert status.

The PCG has strengthened their monitoring of the province’s seaports and have issued warnings against colorum boats ferrying travelers to neighboring islands or conducting unauthorized leisure cruises.

They have also checked the various beach resorts in the province to make sure that they have certified lifeguards.* (W/DGB)