MMDA sending rescue teams to Compostela Valley

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority on Thursday announced that it would be sending two elite rescue teams to Pablo-hit Compostela Valley to assist victims of the devastation. 

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said the teams will help in the search, rescue and retrieval operations in the areas severely affected by typhoon Pablo.

"These personnel are capable and have been on similar operations before in Bulacan, Iligan and Cagayan De Oro last year," Tolentino said.

The teams are comprised of personnel from the agency’s Road Emergency Group and Public Safety office, mostly trained rescue staff nurses, and medical services assistants.   

Aside from the rescue personnel, MMDA is also sending a two-ton water purifier to address the urgent need for clean and potable water, special search cameras, medical kits, basic tools and rescue kits and implements, tents and generator sets.

"MMDA is ready and willing to help anytime, anywhere. Our services are not limited to Metro Manila alone," Tolentino said.

In recent years, the MMDA has also sent agency personnel to various towns in Bulacan and several provinces in Mindanao, to assist local government units in rescue, relief, clearing and cleanup operations after they were severely damaged by super typhoons. 

A similar rescue team was also dispatched to La Libertad, Negros Oriental in the aftermath of an earthquake.

Early last month, the MMDA launched a rescue battalion, a unit composed of personnel specially trained and equipped to respond to major disasters and calamities within Metro Manila and nearby provinces.