MMDA teams to help in rescue work in quake-battered areas in Bohol, Cebu

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino

MANILA, Philippines—The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said it has sent rescue teams to Bohol and Cebu to assist in the relief and clearing operations in villages hit by the 7.2-magnitude earthquake early Tuesday.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino personally led the send-off ceremonies to the two eight-man teams at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal II, who will stay in Tagbilaran, Bohol; and Cebu.

Tolentino said the firs team, led by Rescue Unit head Edward Gonzales, will go to Mactan, Cebu and coordinate with Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III, while the second team, led by Public Safety head Aldo Mayor, will fly straight to Tagbilaran and coordinate with Bohol Governor Edgardo Chatto.

“The provincial government of Bohol and Cebu need all the help they could get to weather this calamity. We at the MMDA are more than willing to provide assistance in whatever way we can,” Tolentino said.

He said the rescue teams, members of which are “veteran and well-trained rescuers,” are equipped with extrication power tools, bolt cutters, chainsaws, and trauma kit.

Tolentino said these rescuers have already been sent to different provinces during previous calamites, and have undergone appropriate training and expertise in rescuing trapped people, clearing, and providing emergency medical care.

On Saturday, Tolentino said the MMDA sent a 17-man team to Jaen, Nueva Ecija to assist in the rescue and relief operations in villages affected by Typhoon Santi.

A powerful magnitude-7.2 earthquake jolted Carmen, Bohol and other parts of the Visayas and Mindanao Tuesday morning, killing 32 people.