LAOAG CITY – The local government of Batac City in Ilocos Norte will close Washington Street, from the city hall to Quaioit Bridge, on Tuesday afternoon to give way to a bomb explosion simulation exercise.
In a public advisory on Monday, Mayor Albert Chua said the event to boost awareness and preparedness for possible terror attacks will be spearheaded by the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center (MMMHandMC) – Public Health Unit in partnership with the city government, Philippine National Police and Bureau of Fire Protection as part of the World Patient Day celebration.
‘We ask the public to remain calm as there will be a simulated or fake bomb explosion during the activity. The simulation exercise will start at 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. tomorrow(Tuesday),’ Chua said.
He said the drill will test the efficiency of their disaster or emergency preparedness and response protocols, as well as assess the effectiveness of the contingency plan of the hospital and its partner agencies in times of adversiti
es or any man-made catastrophe like bomb threat or explosion.
Dr. Romel Rasos, manager of MMMHandMC’s disaster risk reduction management unit, underscored the need for close coordination between the community and government agencies in emergency response.
‘MMMHandMC persistently evaluates its system, facilities, and infrastructure,’ he said in an earlier statement.
Four resource speakers from the hospital will also conduct a forum on bomb explosion safety at the Sangguniang Panlungsod session hall on Tuesday.
Source: Philippines News agency