Manila: All 18 jail facilities managed by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in the Mimaropa region, along with the Regional Office in Batangas City, engaged in the 2nd Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on Thursday. The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to enhance disaster preparedness and emergency response capabilities.
According to Philippines News Agency, the activity encompassed jail personnel, persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), and regional office personnel who practiced standard earthquake response procedures. This included the "duck, cover, and hold" protocol, orderly evacuation, headcount procedures, and coordination mechanisms during emergency situations.
BJMP-Mimaropa spokesperson, Jail Officer 3 Joefrie Anglo, stated that the simultaneous execution of the drill across the region signifies the agency's dedication to ensuring the safety and security of both PDLs and personnel during disasters and emergencies. "Regular participation in the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill allows our personnel and PDL to become familiar with emergency procedures and response protocols that can significantly reduce risks during actual earthquake incidents," Anglo mentioned in a press statement.
He highlighted the importance of the exercise given recent occurrences of strong and recurring earthquakes in various parts of the country, emphasizing the necessity for constant vigilance and preparedness. "Earthquakes occur without warning. Through continuous drills and disaster preparedness activities, we enhance our capability to protect lives, maintain order inside our facilities, and ensure the safe evacuation of PDL and personnel whenever necessary," he added.
Anglo mentioned that jail administrators and disaster response teams in all BJMP-managed facilities in the region reviewed contingency measures and evacuation procedures to ensure that emergency plans remain effective and responsive to evolving risks. The drill also evaluated communication and coordination protocols among jail personnel to facilitate a swift and organized response during emergencies.
BJMP-Mimaropa reiterated that disaster preparedness is a crucial component of jail management, especially in safeguarding vulnerable populations, such as PDLs in the agency's custody and care. The agency consistently conducts emergency preparedness activities, capability-building programs, and simulation exercises to bolster resilience against natural and human-induced hazards.
Officials noted that the continued participation of jail facilities in the NSED underscores the agency's proactive approach to disaster risk reduction and management while fostering a culture of preparedness among personnel and PDLs throughout the region.
