The Police Regional Office 8 took part in the Fourth Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) to improve the readiness of its staff in grounds Camp Sec Ruperto K Kangleon in Palo, Leyte on November 14, 2024. The drills, simultaneously participated in by Police Regional Offices was initially done at the PNP National Headquarters in Camp Rafael T Crame, Quezon City on the same day, which was participated by all National Administrative Support Units (NASUs) and National Operational Support Units (NOSUs) personnel.
The drill in PRO 8 was led by PBGen Jay R. Cumigad, Regional Director, along with Police Colonel Dennis Jose S. Llavore, Deputy Regional Director for Operations, and the personnel of the Regional Communications and Electronics Office, Regional Medical and Dental Unit 8, Regional Engineering Unit, and Regional Headquarters Support Unit 8 who had reported the status of the response teams during the conduct of the drill. Also, a team from Bureau of Fire Protection 8 had also participated during the drill.
During the simulated exercise, the siren was sounded and the alarm system was turned on. Every member of PRO 8 had used the “DUCK, COVER, and HOLD” approach, staying in place until the shaking stopped. After that, the staff left the facility and quickly made their way to the PRO 8 grounds’ designated triage area. They assembled by the office after they had arrived, and their chief clerks accounted for their people.
After the exercise, the heads of each office evaluated the efficacy of their own protocols. These assessments concentrated on determining the best practices that made the drill easier to carry out, as well as the obstacles and problems that arose during the exercise. Enhancing overall readiness and situational awareness for future emergencies, improving emergency response, and methodically analyzing areas for improvement were the main goals considered.
NSED emphasizes how crucial it is to remain alert and organized, since this greatly improves one’s own safety and the ability to help others during natural disasters, especially earthquakes.
“As we face the ever-present threat of natural disasters, it is essential that we continuously improve our preparedness and response capabilities. Participation in this exercise is an opportunity for all personnel to strengthen their skills, identify areas for improvement, and reinforce our collective ability to protect both ourselves and the communities we serve,” PBGen Cumigad had said.
