Iloilo City on ‘blue alert’ status for Holy Week

By John Noel E. Herrera

The Iloilo City Risk Reduction and Management Council Emergency Operations Center has been placed under “Blue Alert” status ahead of a long weekend when Ilonggos observe the Holy Week on April 6 to 9, 2023.

CDRRMO Quick Response Team Division head Darwin Papa said in a press conference on Thursday, March 30, 2023, that they have coordinated with the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and other concerned agencies for security and safety measures during the Lenten season.

Papa said 17 ambulances will be deployed to identified public areas in the city to ensure quick emergency response to health-related concerns that might arise.

The CDRRMO would also assign volunteer responders in different areas to assist the public as the Holy Week operation of the emergency center will start on Monday, according to Papa.

“We have also started posting and distributing IEC (information and education) materials through our Facebook page and other means of reporting, and right now, we are continuously monitoring sang nagakalatabo sa palibot naton through our command centers,” Papa added.

The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) will also deploy around 167 ununiformed police personnel in different transport terminals, esplanades, and public plazas to maintain peace and order in the city,

The CDRRMO said the public can dial their hotline numbers (335-1554 and 333-233) in case they need assistance, particularly concerning their health and safety.

“Kag gina discourage man tani naton ang PWDs nga di mag upod sa taltal, as well as children kay risky gid na sa ila,” Papa also reminded the public.

Meanwhile, the PCG said they have crafted their security plan and would conduct a ‘baywatch patrol’ for the Holy Week, as many Ilonggos are expected to go to the beach, especially on Easter Sunday, April 9.

“Reminders lang sa mga malagaw sa beaches on Sunday, siguraduhon ta gid nga aton kadtuan ang may mga permit nga resorts, nga may life guards para malikawan ang drowning or missing kay amu na mostly nagakatabo,”

The BFP also reminded the public to make sure that their appliances are turned off before leaving their houses as the city has already recorded many fire incidents this year.

“Before we leave our house, see to it nga nakapatay ang aton main switch kag naka-proper ang pag-organize sang gamit naton. Proper housekeeping, dira gid na gaumpisa,” SF02 Arnel Fuertes said.

The CDRRMO has identified different risks that might occur during Holy Week, which include fire, sudden thunderstorms, and heat-related incidences.

Due to the hot weather, the City Health Office advised the public as well to drink plenty of water, wear light-colored clothes, and stay in shaded areas to avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

“Avoid man naton ang alcohol kag spicy food consumption kay ini naga pa worsen sang dehydration kag mag rest gid kung may travel pagka bwas,” Dr. Roland Jay Fortuna added.