Lack of egress noted during bomb drill in Mandaue City

CEBU, Philippines – Lack of emergency exits at the Mandaue City Hall is one of the problems found during the bomb explosion simulation exercise conducted by the city government last Friday.

Councilor Carmelino Del Mar said he will recommend to Mayor Gabriel Luis Quisumbing to improve the egress at the city hall.

"Yes, we will recommend. So far, maayo man ang simulation exercise," he said.

Del Mar explained that it is among the deficiencies they have identified during the drill participated in by the employees and department heads.

"Actually duna ta'y nakit-an nga mga deficiencies, although I'm sure we will improve on it," he said.

Del Mar, however, was satisfied with the results of the drill because of the cooperation between the Special Weapon and Tactics of Mandaue City and the fire department.

He said the activity was made so that the employees and officials as well as residents living near the Mandaue City Hall will know how to react to a similar crisis in the future.

During a simulation, an improvised explosive device (IED) was placed inside the session hall where Mandaue City officials were having a meeting.

"Our response time is okay, as it is just a simulation exercise. If this response time is applied to the actual incident, malipay mi'g dako," Del Mar said.

City hall transactions and appointments were suspended for two hours to give way for the security personnel to clear the building. Selected employees acted as victims who needed to be rescued.

Del Mar said he will recommend to the mayor that simulation exercises should be held regularly.

The drill was in coordination with the Mandaue City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) and Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation. —/FPL (FREEMAN)