Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza today advised mine safety engineers from mining companies to stay on high alert and be ready to undertake at a moment’s notice necessary rescue operations in typhoon-battered Bicol region.

“Several areas in Bicol have been identified through the geo-hazard mapping conducted by the DENR-Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) to be prone to landslide,” Atienza said.

“Let us pray that nothing bad happens. But in case of emergency, mine safety engineers must be ready to lend assistance.”

DENR Undersecretary and Executive Director of Minerals Development Council Ramon J.P. Paje said that several areas in Catanduanes are vulnerable to landslides. He also expressed fear about the possible remobilization of lahar at Mt. Mayon in Albay and at Mt. Bulusan in Sorsogon.

Ernie Rodriguez, president of the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA), said that mine safety engineers in various mining companies can be mobilized at the shortest possible notice.

“These are the same mine safety engineers involved in several rescue operations during natural disasters in the past,” Rodriguez said.

Among the rescue operations conducted by the group were the 1990 Baguio earthquake, landslides in Quezon, Mt. Diwalwal cave-in and the landslide in Guinsaugon, Southern Leyte.

Several lives have been saved because of the rescue operations. The mine safety engineers possess techniques and equipment to dig through collapsed structures. (DENR-Public Affairs Office)

November 23, 2007