CHINA DONATES SIX FIRETRUCKS TO BFP FOR MARAWI

THE Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) will receive Tuesday (December 5, 2023) six fire trucks from China for Marawi City to help in its rehabilitation process after it was severely destroyed during a rebel-led siege in 2017.

The turnover rites will be held at the grounds of the BFP national headquarters in Agham Road, Quezon City.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos said the donation was facilitated through the Task Force Bangon Marawi, an agency dedicated towards the full rehabilitation of the Islamic City.

Abalos thanked the China government for its generosity to which these trucks would be a big help for the city still recovering from the unforgettable war.

BFP Director Louie Puracan said they will conduct training and capacity building programs to ensure that Marawi City’s firefighting personnel are fully-equipped to utilize the newly- acquired fire trucks and equipment.

The 2017 Marawi siege had caused widespread destruction to vital infrastructures, facilities, and public and private buildings, including the Marawi City Fire Station in Bgy. Biaba-Damag.

The fire station was razed to the ground and its four fire trucks were destroyed during the intense conflict that lasted for about five months.

The lack of firefighting capability in the area severely- handicapped the local authorities during which local firefighters failed to attend and respond to at least 18 fire incidents, resulting in millions of pesos worth of damages to structures and properties.