Speaker Martin Romualdez (File photo by RICHARD A. REYES / Philippine Daily Inquirer)
MANILA, Philippines — House Speaker Martin Romualdez wanted to ensure the preparedness of the government, especially the first responders, should a strong earthquake hit the country, particularly in Metro Manila.
This development came after several experts said thousands may become victims of the earthquake, just like what happened in Turkey and Syria, if authorities lack the preparedness.
The Speaker said, “We want to find out if we are really ready at ano ang dapat gawin ng publiko [and what the public should do].”
“Na-experience na kasi natin ito during Yolanda na yung mga first responders naging biktima ng nasabing delubyo [We have experienced already during the wrath of Yolanda that even the first responders became victims of the storm surge],” Romualdez added.
“Sino ang papalit sa kanila [Who will take their place], do we have enough equipment to dig through rubbles o may sapat ba na [do we have enough] food packs ang gobyerno sa libu-libong maaapektuhan ng lindol na ito,” the lawmaker from Leyte said.
Last Monday, Turkey Ambassador Niyazi Aykol went to Congress to accept Romualdez’s personal donation of $100,000 for the victims of the earthquake in the said country.
Ambassador Aykol told Romualdez that they had known for 20 years that a strong earthquake would happen but they never thought it would be this strong.
That’s why Romualdez wants to know how strong an earthquake or intensity, the National Capital Region (NCR) can handle, and how many are the projected casualties.
The Speaker intends to summon all disaster agencies and first responder units to find out if the government has an operational plan or “Oplan.”
He said, “do we have enough equipment and manpower? Kasi very critical ang first 24 hours. Kasi if we don’t have then let’s prepare and anticipate.”
“We really have to be ready from rescue to medical attention and food distribution,” he said.
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