US, PHL partners conduct threats response exercise

MANILA – The U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is assisting interagency representatives of the Philippine government in conducting a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) exercise from July 24 to 27, 2019.

DTRA designed the exercise to hone the response skills of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the officially-mandated CBRN response agency within the Government of the Philippines, and allow the Philippine interagency to practice responding to a simulated CBRN incident within Metro Manila.

The exercise began with a supposed chemical incident in Manila, followed by the establishment of an Incident Command Post.  The Philippine government quickly organized a mock interagency response, coordinating more than 20 agencies. 

BFP responders triaged simulated casualties on site and prepared them for initial treatment and transfer to Philippine General Hospital.  Hospital staff then practiced treating the casualties and identifying the chemical agents involved by using the mass casualty decontamination equipment provided by DTRA.

The exercise will continue on July 25 in Cebu and July 26 in Davao. The Incident Command Post, located in Manila, will continue coordinating with the Philippine government and responders to ensure a quick and unified response.

Exercises like these reflect the many years of support, assistance, and cooperation between the United States and the Philippines.  Opportunities to train together strengthen our long-term relationship with our friends, partners, and allies.