BACOLOD City – The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) urged concerned agencies in this city, including the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), to implement safety measures and preparedness protocols to prevent mass casualties or incidents.
A resolution on this was approved by the SP during their regular session following the recent incidents in various parts of the city, including the Good Friday tragedy in Barangay Alangilan.
The said incidents have highlighted the need for enhanced safety measures and preparedness protocols, according to Councilor Em Ang, chairperson of the SP committee on history, culture and arts and author of the aforementioned resolution.
“Concerned agencies, including the CDRRMO, are urged to conduct a thorough assessment of potential risks and hazards in the city,” read part of the resolution.
The SP urged the implementation of the following safety measures:
* conducting regular safety inspections of public places and facilities;
* enhancing emergency response protocols and conducting regular drills;
* establishing effective traffic planning and management during mass gatherings and events that attract large crowds and may pose potential risks to public safety;
* providing public awareness campaigns on safety and emergency preparedness and response; and
* improving infrastructure and facilities to prevent accidents.
The SP further told concerned agencies to establish effective communication systems and protocols.
Ang said the safety and well-being of the citizens of this city are of utmost importance to the SP and it is the responsibility of the city government to ensure that all necessary measures are in place to prevent mass casualties or incidents and to respond effectively in case of emergencies.
To recall, three persons died and 17 others were injured on April 18 after an Indian national’s Toyota Innova rammed a Good Friday procession in Barangay Alangilan. He first hit a tricycle, then a police patrol vehicle securing the procession, a multicab, and those participating in the procession.
Police identified the fatalities as the 66-year-old lay minister Jonel Solano, a resident of Barangay Alangilan; Gelvin Tanique, a tanod of the said village; and Daynah Plohinog.
Police said the accident happened at around 7:20 p.m. while the religious procession was passing along Granada-Alangilan Road in Purok 20./PN
