Ormoc's capability figures prominently in rescue operation

The incident command post headed by Mayor Edward Codilla that was set up by the LGU.

THE flurry of activities the past days relating to the search and rescue of survivors of the sea tragedy relegated to the backburner the local government unit’s (LGU) contribution to the entire operation. Out of the glare of news cameras, officials and employees of the LGU worked hard to deliver much-needed services and keep the operation smooth-sailing. 

Amidst allegations of late arrival by first responders, rescue officer and planning in-charge Dominic Eamiguel said their team was among the first to arrive at the site. MB Kim Nirvana’s departure was recorded at 12:15 noon and the accident occurred five minutes after.

The Ormoc Rescue Team received the distress call at exactly 12:22 pm. A team of five was sent immediately consisting of a nurse, driver and technical crew. Upon arrival at the port, only then did the crew realize the magnitude of the emergency, prompting them to call for backup.

The Ormoc Rescue Team was there from the start of the rescue operation to
the time when the casualties had to be taken to Pilar, Camotes Island. (Photo
by Elvie Roman-Roa)

Right there and then, all rescuers including those who were off-duty were ordered to rush to the port while the city-owned fiber-glass boat weighing 400 kgs. was deployed. Eamiguel explained that some constraints should be considered in the response time including vehicular traffic along the way.

Noteworthy also is that the first group of lifeguards and divers on the site are from the rescue team and City Agriculture Services Office. But even if they were there early, they had to wait for orders from the incident commander. Eamiguel understands if people thought their response time was late, saying anxiousness can make a minute feel like forever.

Taking everything into consideration, Eamiguel pointed out that the LGU’s men and assets were out in the sea pulling survivors to shore and doing cardiopulmonary resuscitation before 1:00 pm. He admires the commitment of his team members, including one who was off duty to apply for a passport in Tacloban City but had to rush home just to take part in the rescue efforts.

An LGU nurse checks on the health condition of one of the
survivors. (Photo by Enrique Caberos)

Other LGU assets that were used are two ambulances that ferried survivors and bodies to the hospitals, and the Emergency Medical and Technical Rescue Services truck.

Even city officials were up on their feet beforehand. Councilor Pedro Godiardo Ebcas who chairs the committee on public safety immediately informed Coast Guard (CG) District Commander (now relieved) Capt. Pedro B. Tinampay of the need to put up an incident command post for a coordinated action among offices and to synchronize the operation.

But the officer replied that the CG has jurisdiction on the matter. Ebcas yielded to Capt. Tinampay’s authority and assured that city officials are on standby, ready to extend assistance. An incident command post chaired by Mayor Edward C. Codilla was eventually set up the next day at the public market.

Meanwhile, the City Social Welfare and Development Office extended assistance to the 54 survivors who were given shelter at the terminal of 2GO fast craft. They were fed with rice porridge and given food packs containing noodles, biscuits, bottled water and coffee. They were also given slippers, blankets and used clothing.

The rescue unit’s quick response shows that the city government’s investment on rescue capabilities is paying off. This is actually a priority of Mayor Edward following the disasters that battered Ormoc in the recent past. Which is why it should not come as a surprise that Ormoc is the most capable LGU in dealing with disasters in Region 8. 

Nurse Elsie Syjuco of the City Health Office gives psycho-social therapy to some of the 54 survivors who were immediately rescued right after the accident. (Photo by Enrique Caberos)