The Provincial Government of Negros Occidental is looking to hold bomb simulation exercises to strengthen the province’s preparedness for terror threats.
Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Ma. Lina Sanogal said on Thursday, August 3, the exercise will prepare government officials and the public on what to do during man-made attacks like bombing.
She said the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council will conduct a series of meetings to plan for the exercises.
“We will focus on information advocacy. Part of our preparation (for terrorism threat) is simulation exercises so we will be informed and won’t panic,” she said.
She added that the activity will also be part of the Capitol’s anti-terrorism campaign led by Task Force Buglas.
The Provincial Board on Wednesday, August 2, approved the P21-million budget for the programs and activities of the province’s anti-terrorism task force until the end of the year.
As part of the information campaign, Sanogal said that small group forums on extreme terrorism will also be held.
Response training on communities especially those in the coastline will also be conducted, she added.
She said it is vital to beef up the skills of the community on response as they are in the frontline.
Task Force Buglas was created through an executive order signed by Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. to ensure proper coordination of different agencies to protect the province from the threat of terrorism, crime and other lawless elements as well as provide humanitarian assistance in times of disasters. It will also focus on educating the community and their participation in the anti-terrorism campaign.
The task force, chaired by Marañon, is readying its action plans to address terrorism threats in the province, which includes community involvement.
Marañon, who led the culmination program of the National Disaster Resilience Month on Thursday at the Provincial Capitol, said the best way to deter disasters is through prayers.
However, he said it is also important to be prepared.