• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
To assess the efficiency and skill-set competency of the uniformed personnel in handling critical situations, the Department of Interior and Local Government – Bacolod City gathered response units for a “Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Simulation Exercise” at the Bacolod City Police Office compound yesterday.
A hostage-taking scenario involving the use of CBRN materials was simulated by the Philippine National Police and its special units, Bureau of Fire Protection, City Health Office, Amity and Chamber Fire Brigades, and other government agencies.
Each agency had its specific role in addressing the simulated scenario. The exercise also assessed the effectiveness of the real-time response and compliance to the necessary and proper protocols by the concerned agencies.
During the opening ceremony, the office of Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya, represented by Executive Assistant April Rose Mayo, highlighted the need of the simulation exercise for the preparation of the response units when similar incidents happen in the future.
“We cannot wait until the worst happens; we must be ready. Ready in action, in coordination, and in real-time response. The CBRN exercise is an essential step towards that goal. We need to ensure that when the unthinkable happens, we will not be caught off guard,” the Mayor’s message read.
Bacolod City was one of the chosen key areas in the Visayas region to conduct a CBRN simulation exercise, which was part of the series of exercises conducted across the country.
The simulation is an application of knowledge from the series of training and orientations conducted by the PNP, which also served as a platform for the DILG Bacolod to test the efficiency, competency, and capacity of the response team during the crisis and to determine gaps.
“This simulation exercise is a means for us to check whether or not we have a sufficient capacity to handle this kind of situation. That’s why we are doing this exercise for us to check on the ground if our concerned agencies have the capability to address the situation,” DILG Bacolod City Director Christian Nagaynay said in an interview.
The simulation is designed to help the local government units, particularly in the program for preventing and countering violent extremism, according to Nagaynay.
“This is where we positioned Bacolod City as an urban development city in the country. Eventually, we will be exposed to this kind of risk, and the better we are prepared. This is where this simulation exercise will come in; as a preparation opportunity spearheaded by the DILG central office through our violent extremism initiatives,” he added.
It was the first time Bacolod City conducted a CBRN simulation exercise.*
