Bureau of Fire Protection Region 8

𝗕𝗙𝗣 R𝟴 𝗞𝗜𝗖𝗞𝗦 𝗢𝗙𝗙 𝟮𝗡𝗗 𝗣𝗛𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗦𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗧, 𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗖𝗨𝗘 SKILLS

TACLOBAN CITY — JUNE 1, 2026 — The Bureau of Fire Protection Region 8, under the leadership of Regional Director, FCSUPT ALDWIN M SALAZAR, DSC, officially commenced the second phase of the Search and Rescue Auxiliary Training (SARAT), continuing its role as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for the commissioned and non-commissioned personnel of the Philippine Air Force Tactical Operations Group 8 (TOG 8), at Headquarters TOG 8, DZR Airport, Tacloban City.

As part of the second phase of training, BFP Region 8 personnel imparted essential knowledge and practical skills on Introduction to Rope Rescue, Rope Rescue Gears (hardware and software), Knot Tying, Victim Packaging, and Anchoring, critical components in ensuring safe, efficient, and coordinated rescue operations during emergencies and disaster response situations.

Through lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on practical exercises, participants were provided with foundational and operational techniques necessary in rope rescue systems, emphasizing proper equipment familiarization, secure anchoring methods, patient handling, and rescue safety protocols.

BFP Region 8 remains steadfast in its commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration and advancing life-saving capabilities through continuous capacity-building initiatives, ensuring readiness in responding to emergencies anytime, anywhere.

BFP REGION 8 SPECIAL RESCUE FORCE JOINS REGIONAL JAMBOREE PREPARATORY MEETING

Ormoc City, Leyte – June 1, 2026 – In line with its commitment to operational preparedness and inter-agency collaboration, personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection Region 8 Special Rescue Force (SRF) attended the Coordination Meeting for the upcoming 2026 Regional Jamboree held at the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) in Ormoc City.

The activity was conducted under the steadfast leadership of Regional Director FCSUPT ALDWIN M SALAZAR, DSC, with the guidance of Acting Chief of the Regional Operations Division, FCINSP VIC LEONEL L MACASIL, and Acting Chief of the Special Rescue Force, FINSP JASPER M OPADA. Representing BFP Region 8 during the meeting was the Team Leader of the Subject Matter Experts, SFO2 Glenn B Punzalan.

Organized by the Office of Civil Defense Region VIII, the meeting gathered participating agencies to discuss key preparations for the conduct of the 2026 Regional Jamboree. Among the matters tackled were event requirements, team composition, and other operational considerations necessary to ensure the smooth and successful implementation of the activity.

The participation of BFP Region 8 in the coordination meeting highlights the Bureau’s continued dedication to strengthening partnerships, enhancing rescue competencies, and ensuring readiness for collaborative initiatives that promote disaster preparedness, public safety, and community resilience.

BFP Region 8 Strengthens Inter-Agency Coordination for 911 Satellite Command Center Grand Launching

June 1, 2026 — In preparation for the grand launching of the 911 Satellite Command Center on June 4, 2026, the Bureau of Fire Protection Region 8, headed by Regional Director FCSUPT ALDWIN M SALAZAR, DSC, convened a coordination meeting spearheaded by Regional Chief of Staff FSSUPT ELBERTO C MARQUESES JR., DSC, at the BFP Regional Office 8 Conference Room.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), highlighting the agencies’ shared commitment to ensuring the successful implementation and operational readiness of the emergency response facility.

Discussions focused on the latest updates, operational plans, guidance, and the run-through of preparation checklists for the upcoming launching. Participants also reviewed key coordination measures and logistical requirements to ensure a seamless and well-organized event.

Following the meeting, the participating officials and representatives conducted a site visit to the 911 Satellite Command Center to personally inspect the facility and assess the status of preparations.

The activity reflects the continuing collaboration among partner agencies in strengthening emergency response capabilities and enhancing public safety services for the people of Eastern Visayas.

𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗖𝗕𝗥𝗡 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗗𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛 𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚

TACLOBAN CITY — JUNE 1, 2026 — The Incident Management Team (IMT) for the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Simulation Exercise (CBRN SIMEX) in Tacloban City convened for a Planning and Finalization Meeting held at the Conference Room of the City Mayor’s Office, Tacloban City, aimed at strengthening preparedness and ensuring seamless inter-agency coordination for the upcoming simulation exercise.

Present during the meeting were Assistant Regional Director for Operations, FSSUPT ELLAFIL A LIBARNES, DSC; Acting Chief, Operations Division, FCINSP VIC LEONEL L MACASIL; Tacloban City Fire Marshal, FCINSP DARREN P BACLEA-AN; together with other key officers and personnel of BFP Region 8.
Also in attendance were representatives from partner agencies including the regional offices of DILG, PNP, EMB, DOH, OCD, Tacloban City CDRRMO, Tacloban City Health Office, DILG Tacloban, and EVMC, reinforcing a unified and coordinated approach toward CBRN incident preparedness and response.

As part of the activity, FINSP JUDE JOCYRIL S ALCOSEBA delivered a lecture on the Basics of Hazmat Awareness, while SFO1 Eleanor D Oborro discussed the HAZMAT (Chlorine Gas) Simulation Exercise Incident Management Team, providing participants with essential operational knowledge and incident management concepts relevant to hazardous materials emergencies.

The meeting served as an avenue to finalize operational details of the upcoming CBRN SIMEX, including the designation of point persons, team organization, logistical requirements, communication mechanisms, and other vital inter-agency coordinations necessary for the effective ex*****on of the exercise.

Through strengthened coordination and unified action, BFP Region 8 advances disaster preparedness, operational excellence, and public safety service for a safer and more resilient community.

BFP R8 𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗡s 𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗘𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗬 THROUGH LEADERSHIP COORDINATION

TACLOBAN CITY — JUNE 1, 2026 — Under the guidance of Regional Director, FCSUPT ALDWIN M SALAZAR, DSC, the Bureau of Fire Protection Region 8, through Assistant Regional Director for Operations, FSSUPT ELLAFIL A LIBARNES together with Regional Chief of Staff, FSSUPT ELBERTO C MARQUESES JR., DSC, convened all Provincial Fire Marshals and City Fire Marshals during a regular operational meeting aimed at reinforcing coordination, enhancing operational efficiency, and addressing key concerns.

Presided over by the Assistant Regional Director for Operations, the meeting served as a venue to discuss reminders and updates on operational directives for the continuous improvement of fire safety and emergency response services across the region.

The activity likewise provided an opportunity to align operational priorities, strengthen inter-unit collaboration, and ensure the effective implementation of programs and policies.

Through sustained dialogue and collaborative planning, BFP Region 8 remains steadfast in its commitment to strengthening operational preparedness and delivering responsive, efficient, and quality public safety service to the communities it serves.

BFP Region 8 Highlights Discipline, Professionalism, and Service in Weekly Flag-Raising Ceremony and Rank Inspection

Tacloban City – June 01, 2026 – The Bureau of Fire Protection Region 8, under the leadership of Regional Director FCSUPT ALDWIN M SALAZAR, DSC, and represented by Assistant Regional Director for Administration FSSUPT FRITZIE G MANATAD, DSC, together with the Tacloban City Fire Station led by FCINSP DARREN P BACLEA-AN, commenced the week with a meaningful flag-raising ceremony followed by a rank inspection.

In her message, FSSUPT MANATAD underscored the importance of discipline, punctuality, and active participation in the weekly flag-raising ceremony, emphasizing that such activities foster unity, respect, and a shared sense of purpose among personnel. She encouraged everyone to begin each week with commitment and professionalism, reflecting the standards expected of members of the fire service.

Serving as the Troop Information and Education Speaker, FSINSP BENITO GUNDELINO G ELONA, Acting City Fire Marshal of Baybay City Fire Station, highlighted the distinction between a profession and a vocation. He reminded personnel that being a Fire Officer is not merely a career but a calling founded on service, sacrifice, and dedication to protecting lives and property. He further shared the values embodied in the acronym BFP - Brave, Friendly, and Peaceful - which continue to guide firefighters in the performance of their duties.

Following the ceremony, a rank inspection was conducted to reinforce standards of discipline, proper bearing, uniform neatness, and compliance with established regulations. The activity served as a reminder that professionalism is reflected not only in operational performance but also in the manner by which personnel carry themselves as public servants and members of a disciplined organization.

The conduct of both activities reaffirmed BFP Region 8's commitment to cultivating a culture of excellence, accountability, and service. More importantly, it highlighted that the heroism of a Fire Officer is demonstrated not only during emergencies but also through daily discipline, integrity, and dedication to duty.

TINGNAN | Anumang wika o diyalekto, handang tumugon ang Unified 911. 🗣️☎️🚨

Bukod sa Filipino at Ingles, may kakayahan ang Unified 911 na tumanggap ng mga emergency call sa iba’t ibang wika at diyalekto, tulad ng:

✅Region 1 at 2: Ilocano, Ibanag, at Yogad/Gaddang
✅Region 6: Hiligaynon (Ilonggo), Aklanon, Capiznon, at Kinaray-a
✅Region 7 at 8: Cebuano, at Waray

Layunin ng Unified 911 ang agarang aksyon mula sa pag-ulat ng insidente hanggang sa pagresponde. Anuman ang wika o diyalekto, makatitiyak ang publiko na may darating na tulong mula sa ating mga pulis, bumbero, rescue teams, at mga LGU, dahil ang bawat segundo ay mahalaga.

Happy Birthday to BFP R8 Assistant Regional Director for Administration, FSSUPT FRITZIE G MANATAD, DSC, Ma'am!

Your Bureau of Fire Protection Region 8 family wishes you a birthday as wonderful as you are. Your steadfast dedication and inspiring spirit continue to uplift those around you.

May the year ahead be filled with the same happiness and positivity you bring to everyone.

BFP Region 8 in Action: May 24-30, 2026 Highlights

- National Coordination Meeting for 911 Satellite Command Center Launch
- 911 Go Live Ceremony
- Courtesy Call of Fire Junior Leadership Course Graduates
- Coordination between NICA R8 and BFP R8
- Nationwide Coordination of FO1 Recruitment Medical and Physical Evaluation
- Participation in 2026 Pagrig-on Han Mga Harig: Strengthening of BBIS
- Media Interview with PRTV 12 and FM Radio Tacloban
- RPOC-EV Second Quarter Meeting
- Courtesy Visit of Mayor Madera of Mondragon, Northern Samar
- Search and Rescue Auxilliary Training for Philippine Air Force Tactical Operations Group 8
- Conduct of Fitness and Wellness Zumba Exercise
- Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Council 2nd Quarter Meeting
- Coordination Meeting with PNP Region 8 in Preparation for 911 Launching
- Push-to-Talk Over Cellular (POC) Units Workshop Activation and Registration
- Interfacing Activity of the Office of the Provincial Fire Marshal (OPFM) Biliran
- Partnership with Local Leaders in Biliran