DOLE halts Cebu BPO firm's operations over lack of emergency, disaster plans after earthquake

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office 7 has ordered a halt to the operations of a business process outsourcing (BPO) company in Cebu due to the lack of emergency and disaster plans.

DOLE Regional Office 7 issued a cease and desist order against the BPO firm after it found that no emergency and disaster preparedness and response plan during natural calamities, such as earthquakes, was indicated in its Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Program.

The agency further urged the employer to utilize flexible working arrangements.

Another BPO company in Cebu was ordered to submit proof of corrections after a recent labor inspection found OSH deficiencies.

The recent magnitude 6.9 earthquake that hit Bogo City, Cebu, has left 72 fatalities so far.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, 547,394 people or 155,094 families were affected in Central Visayas.

A total of 35,925 houses were damaged—32,123 partially and 3,802 totally. A total of 733 infrastructures were also damaged. –NB, GMA Integrated News