In the wake of the powerful magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Cebu on Tuesday night, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Central has mobilized personnel and resources to support relief and recovery operations across the affected areas.

Civil Defense Administrator Undersecretary Harold Cabreros announced the deployment of two specialized teams to assist in coordination, logistics, and emergency services. “We have deployed two teams. A four-man team is responsible for coordination, facilitation, and planning, while a separate five-member team is focused on providing potable water and emergency telecommunications,” Cabreros said.

The four-man team, led by Colonel Gilbert Conde, Officer-in-Charge of the OCD – Civil Defense Service, is tasked with conducting site inspections, attending coordination meetings, and facilitating key interventions. One of their critical missions includes establishing a “Tent City” in Barangay Cogon, Bogo City, to serve as a temporary relocation site for displaced residents and managing traffic at entry points.

The team is working closely with the Philippine Army’s 53rd Engineering Brigade, the 14th Civil-Military Operations Battalion, and the Philippine National Police to set up temporary shelters. Coordination meetings with the Bogo City LGU have been held to assess site safety and suitability, with technical input from DOST-PHIVOLCS and the DENR-Mines and Geosciences Bureau.

Meanwhile, the second team is focused on restoring access to clean water and emergency communication lines. They are helping set up power stations and internet connectivity in quake-affected communities.

OCD Central also facilitated the delivery of food and non-food relief items to Cebu on Thursday, in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Fire Protection. Additional support teams from Makati and Taguig DRRM Offices, the Philippine Air Force, and the Philippine Red Cross have arrived to reinforce local operations.

During his visit to Cebu, Usec. Cabreros met with response teams at the incident command post and commended their dedication. At the regional level, OCD Central Visayas continues to lead efforts as Chair of the Regional DRRM Council, ensuring coordinated operations across the province.