BFP deploys first firetruck to remote Itbayat, Batanes

A new firetruck has arrived in Itbayat, Batanes, boosting emergency response in one of the country's northernmost and most isolated towns, officials said.

The unit was unloaded at Valanga Port on Thursday, April 16, 2026, the entry point to Itbayat, marking the first time the town has received its own firetruck, according to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

Authorities said the deployment will speed up disaster response and improve fire safety services in the island municipality.

The firetruck came from the BFP national headquarters as part of its modernization and upgrading program.

Officials said the move also supports the activation of a full municipal fire station in Itbayat, which previously operated only as a fire prevention office.

Provincial Fire Marshal Fire Superintendent Franklin Tabingo said the new equipment is a major upgrade for local emergency services.

"'Yung dumating na firetruck kauna-unahan sa bayan na 'yan at malaking tulong 'yan para sa pagbibigay serbisyo ng Bureau of Fire Protection-Batanes para ma-ipaabot pa sa pinaka-dulong bayan ng Pilipinas ang serbisyo ng Bureau of Fire Protection. Dati kasi Municipal Fire Prevention Office lang 'yung sa bayan ng Itbayat. Ngayon ay i-activate na natin as Municipal Fire Station," he said. — GMA Regional TV