MANILA – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has suspended all non-essential operations to prioritize life-saving response efforts as heavy rains from the southwest monsoon (habagat) and Tropical Storm “Crising” continue to batter parts of the country.
BFP Chief Fire Director Jesus Fernandez said that the bureau remains on full alert status (Code Red) nationwide, with all field units ordered to concentrate on rescue operations, emergency medical response, and fire safety monitoring.
With additional weather threats on the horizon—including a low-pressure area (LPA) and the approaching Tropical Storm “Dante” and Tropical Depression “Emong”—Fernandez urged the public to stay alert and prepare for possible emergencies.
“We are maximizing our manpower and resources to ensure timely response, especially in high-risk and flood-prone areas,” Fernandez said.
Residents in vulnerable areas, particularly those living near slopes, flood zones, and coastal communities, are advised to evacuate early to avoid landslides, water-borne diseases, and storm surges.Nationwide Response: 37,000 Personnel MobilizedAs of 6:00 a.m. on July 24, the BFP has deployed a total of 37,105 personnel, ready to respond to emergencies as needed.
These include:31,435 fire engine crews2,649 special rescue personnel3,605 emergency medical responders.
The BFP has also mobilized:5,476 fire trucks91 rescue vehicles361 ambulances59 watercrafts (rubber and rigid boats), deployed in flood-prone areasBeyond Firefighting: Full-Scale Emergency AssistanceIn addition to standard fire response, the BFP has been assisting in:Water rationing
Road clearingRelief goods packaging and distribution Humanitarian missions
The BFP confirmed the retrieval of 11 cadavers so far, with 10 individuals still reported missing as of this writing.
Fernandez reiterated that the agency’s mandate extends beyond firefighting, emphasizing the BFP’s vital role in disaster response and emergency support across the country.“Our firefighters are trained first responders, not just for fires but also for any crisis affecting the lives and safety of our people,” Fernandez said.