10 Cebu towns have no fire trucks

CEBU, Philippines - Ten towns in Cebu are among 52 municipalities in Central Visayas that do not have fire trucks.

When fire occurs in these areas, firefighters from adjacent municipalities are the ones that respond to the fire, said Bureau of Fire Protection 7 Deputy for Operations Esmael Codilla.

Among those that do not have fire trucks are Tudela, Poro and Pilar in the Camotes group of islands as well as Sta. Fe and Madridejos in Bantayan island.

He still needs to confirm with the other towns, which are in southern Cebu.

Codilla said the BFP could not afford to provide fire trucks to all towns. The government would have to spend P1.040 billion if it decides to buy a fire truck for all 52 Central Visayas towns.

A brand new fire truck would cost between P20 million to P25 million.

There are only 136 serviceable fire trucks in Region 7. Of the 136 fire trucks under BFP 7, 18 were purchased by local government units, including Cebu City.

The Freeman also learned that only 18 of the 47 towns in Bohol, 10 of the 19 towns in Negros Oriental and three of six towns in Siquijor have fire trucks.

In a forum organized by the Philippine Information Agency, Talisay City Fire Marshall Felipe Canillas said 128 fires occurred in Region 7 this month. Last year, there were 126 fires. – (FREEMAN)