Neighbors and firefighters help each other to put out a fire near Bangsamoro Government Center, Cotabato City in February 2023. (Hamdan Badrudin/BIO)
COTABATO CITY—Due to a series of fire incidents in the region, Bangsamoro citizens are advised to observe fire safety precautionary measures.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP – BARMM) Chief Public Information Unit FSInsp. Atty. Maria Estrellieta Lara reminded the general public to be vigilant and observant at all times, especially during disasters like fire incidents that typically originate at home.
“Pinapaalalahan natin ang mamamayan na palaging maging mapagmatyag, handa, at agresibo sa mga programa [ng BFP] upang maiwasan ang mga sakuna na kadalasang nagmumula sa tahanan,” FSInsp. Lara shared in an interview on Monday.
According to Lara, common sources of blaze incidents are faulty electrical wiring, flickering lightbulbs, unattended household appliances, and other light materials that may cause fires.
On September 5-7, BARMM recorded three separate fire incidents in some areas of the region, such as in Tawi-Tawi, affecting nearly 1,000 families; in Cotabato City, affecting 40 families; and in Lanao del Sur, affecting two families.
In response to these incidents, BARMM’s Ministry of Social Services and Development, in partnership with other government offices, immediately provided relief assistance consisting mainly of rice, essential items, and emergency cash support to the affected families. Assessment and profiling followed to simplify the provision of aid.
Lara reiterated that to prevent such disasters, citizens must take care in their cooking, inspect liquefied petroleum gas containers for possible leaks, check the status of electrical connections, and fix broken appliances. If a small fire occurs, it must be covered with damp clothes instead of pouring water on it.
She further emphasized that citizens must equip themselves with fire safety and prevention tips to respond attentively in case of a fire.
To ensure fire protection, the public are encouraged to familiarize F.I.R.E.S., which stands for Familiarizing the citizens with the nearest fire stations or departments in their community; being Informed of the hotline numbers of such stations; Responding proactively by participating in fire safety measures; Educating themselves with fire safety tips; and Embodying ‘SAFETY FIRST’ principle.
She then underscored that in case of fire, Bangsamoro people shall locate fire exits, evacuate the vicinity of the incident, and use fire extinguishers.
“Kung mayroon tayong first aid sa mga sugat, meron din tayong first aid sa apoy which is fire extinguisher,” she stressed.
In using fire extinguishers, the mnemonics P.A.S.S. can be used—Pulling the pin of the extinguisher; Aiming the nozzle at the base of the fire; Squeezing the levers together; and Sweeping from side to side.
BFP-BARMM also provided the following hotlines for easy contact in case of a disaster:
Cotabato Fire Station: 552-1785 / 0966-166-3427
MBRH Substation: 552-2723
OCM Fire Substation: 552-0043
White House Substation: 552-2720
OPFM-Maguindanao: 0927-004-9186
OPFM-Lanao del Sur: 0919-641-2597
OPFM-Marawi City: 0907-022-4843
OPFM-Basilan: 0935-377-1824
OPFM-Sulu: 0905-062-2227
OPFM-Tawi-Tawi: 0927-364-8689
The Government of the Day reiterates to the Bangsamoro people the significance of maintaining alertness during calamities, as aligned with BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim’s Enhanced 12-Point Priority Agenda, specifically in building disaster resilience and preparedness. (Johamin Inok/BIO)
