MMDA launches rescue unit

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) yesterday launched a rescue unit composed of about 1,000 personnel trained to respond to major disasters that would hit the metropolis.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said the unit, called the “MMDA Rescue Battalion,” is equipped to respond in a “moment’s notice” to any site in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

“This rescue battalion has special equipment and training. They will be deployed to critical areas where their skills are needed,” said Tolentino, who is the rescue unit’s commander.

The creation of the rescue battalion was the highlight of the agency’s 37th founding anniversary celebration.

According to Tolentino, members of the rescue battalion were handpicked from various MMDA units such as Metro Parkway Clearing Group, Public Safety Division, Road Emergency Group, Sidewalk Clearing Operations Group, Baklas Billboard, and Task Force Takipsilim.

He said each rescue operative went through rigid training on water search and rescue, debris clearing, emergency communications and transport, and relief and rehabilitation services, among others.

“The battalion has its own amphibious truck and about 100 rubber boats on top of the heavy equipment and gears currently in the MMDA’s arsenal,” he said.

“We have a quick reaction force that we can activate, mobilize, and deploy in times of emergencies 24/7 anywhere in Metro Manila and nearby provinces,” Tolentino added.

Last year, the MMDA came up with Oplan Metro Yakal, an earthquake contingency plan that called for the extensive training of 4,000 MMDA employees and 1,000 volunteers in rescue and relief operations.

The contingency plan called for the deployment of MMDA employee-rescuers in pre-designated sectors during a major disaster such as an earthquake.