MMDA unveils 6 rescue vehicles

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) yesterday unveiled six new emergency vehicles – a rescue van and five ambulan-ces – to support its “Operation Plan Metro Yakal.”

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said the emergency vehicles, purchased by the agency from the Makati-based Firewolf Motors through a public bidding, would be used not only during calamities but also for road accidents.

Three of the ambulances can carry six patients, while the rest can transport three patients, MMDA public safety consultant Ramon Santiago said.

Santiago added the large ambulances are equipped with incubators for emergency births.

He said the three large ambulances cost P2.9 million each. The smaller ones cost P2.4 million each.

The emergency van worth P6.9 million, on the other hand, is equipped with a rescue boom crane capable of lifting 2.5 tons and a front bumper winch capable of pulling five tons.

Santiago said at least 60 MMDA personnel are being trained to use the rescue vehicles. These are manned by paramedics and nurses, he said.

Tolentino said the rescue vehicles would boost the MMDA’s capacity to deal with natural calamities, such as earthquakes and typhoons as well as road emergencies.

“On the average, the number of accidents along EDSA is 23 per day,” he said.

Tolentino said the rescue vehicles are on standby at the MMDA’s emergency bases in four key areas in Metro Manila.