Local exec asks Marcos for additional fire trucks, ambulances for Abra

La Paz, Abra Mayor Joseph Sto. Niño "JB" Bernos on Thursday appealed to the national government to help strengthen the disaster response measures of local government units as he requested for additional firetrucks and ambulances for the quake-hit province.

Bernos made the appeal to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. who presided over a situation briefing in Bangued town to determine the actions that must be taken to assist those affected by the magnitude 7 earthquake that hit Abra on Wednesday morning.

The mayor said Abra province has 16 fire stations but it only owns four firetrucks. Aside from firetrucks, Bernos is also requesting for ambulances as it was very difficult for them to get from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

"Hinihiling ko po na sana palakasin 'yung disaster response ng mga LGUs eh balita ko po from the BFP, they have brought 15 brand new firetrucks to Abra now, eh baka puwede po Mr. President iwan na lang po 'yung iba dito because of all municipalities in Abra, we have 16 fire stations, pero of that 16, apat lang po 'yung naka-top condition na firetrucks," he said.

(I am requesting that you help us strengthen the disaster response of LGUs. I've heard that the BFP has brought 15 brand new firetrucks to Abra. Mr. President, maybe they can leave the other firetrucks because out of the 16 fire stations in the province, we only have four firetrucks.)

"In relation to that po, 'yung ambulance po, every now and then, during the previous administrations, I was once a mayor before for three terms, lagi po kaming lumuluhod sa PCSO for ambulance so this time, siguro naman po open na po lahat 'yung request namin," he added.

(In relation to that, the ambulance, every now and then, it's difficult to request from the PCSO. Maybe this time, our requests are open.)

Bernos expressed hope that under Marcos' leadership, they would easily get their requests as the President is also an Ilocano.

"May Ilocano President na kami and we delivered 96% of the votes of Abra during the last election so tingin ko kami naman po ang maniningil ngayon..." Bernos said.

(We have an Ilocano president and we deliver 96% of the votes during the last election so it's our time to ask now.)

Admitting that there is really an issue on the number of firetrucks and ambulances in Abra, Marcos said the government will look into Bernos' request.

"All your comments are well noted and of course, sige we will look into it..." Marcos said. "The problem of firetruck and ambulance is worse here in Abra than in other provinces, medyo naiwanan kayo (you are left out)."

Bernos reiterated that maybe it would be possible for Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos to leave the other assets. Abalos is also in Abra to check the situation there following the quake.

In response, Marcos said: "Pag-usapan niyo, baka makumbinsi mo. Malakas ka naman sa kanya eh, magkaibigan naman kayo."

(You talk to him about it, maybe you could convince him.) 

The strong quake left at least four people dead and 131 others injured, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) in its Thursday morning report.

A total of 12,945 individuals or 3,456 families in 149 barangays in Cordillera, meanwhile, were affected by the earthquake, the report said.

It added that 541 families are staying inside 21 evacuation centers, while 567 individuals or 128 families are staying outside evacuation centers. — RSJ, GMA News