BFP asks CH for new radio repeater system

CEBU, Philippines —The Cebu City Fire Station is asking the city government to procure and install a digital-analog repeater system to improve its communication in responding to fire alarms.

City Fire Marshal Nelso Ababon said the system which comes along with complete accessories will help the fire brigade in communicating with Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and other barangay fire brigades and volunteers during emergencies.

“Last month of August 2018, the system was rendered totally defective to the detriment of our responses more so with the welfare of the public whom we serve and protect,” read a portion of his letter to Councilor David Tumulak.

Ababon also asked the city to install, test, and to help the station in securing and processing the license before the National Telecommunication Commission.

Tumulak, deputy mayor for police matters, referred the request to CCDRRMO Acting Operations Chief Ronald Malacora.

Malacora, in an interview, said the request was reiterated during the meeting of CCDRRMC last week.

For emergency responders like the Bureau of Fire Protection, he said the device is needed for the communication of the fire brigade and volunteers especially during fire alarms.

“Sa first disaster council meeting, ang request gyud sa atong BFP is mabag-ohan sila og radio communication system kay panahon kon dunay alarma nga sunog, magka-buang ang ilang radio kay daghan na kuno ang mosulod nga wala untay apil supposedly maong magyagaw hinoon,” he said.

(The BFP requested a new radio communication system because every time there is a fire alarm they are having communication problem due to signal interference)

“Sa akong pagtan-aw, maka apekta siya kay instead coordinated ang ilang mga actions, magyagaw na nuon kay wala nay mohatag og instruction,” he added.

Malacora said he will lobby the approval of BFP’s request to Mayor Tomas Osmeña for the immediate procurement and installation of the device.

Although he has yet to check on the total amount needed to procure the equipment, but Malacora assured the city has budget for it.

“Ang sa disaster, dili man ta forefront sa pagtubag sa emergency kay naa man ang Bureau of Fire. Ang atoa ana is once ma stabilize ang sunog, kita ang unang mangita og paagi asa nato ipahimutang ang mga nasunogan, mao na ang role sa Quick Response Team,” he said.

Recently, at least four major fire incidents hit Barangays Poblacion Pardo, Ermita, Tinago, and Kinasang-an in Cebu City. Hundreds of residents were left homeless and millions worth of properties were damaged, including loss of life. (FREEMAN)