The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) held an orientation for barangay officials on the management of dead and missing persons, at the Camalig Command Center (CCC) in Brgy. Salugan, in order to bolster disaster preparedness and response protocols, specifically focusing on casualty management.

 

The orientation focused on Camalig MDRRMC-Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Council (CCAMC) Advisory No. 09-2023, which activates the MDRRMC Management of Dead and Missing (MDM) Cluster. The advisory designates the DILG-MLGOO as the lead agency for MDM efforts, responsible for planning, monitoring, evaluation, and coordinating with relevant agencies.

 

The session also highlighted the reorganized MDM Cluster, with the MLGOO serving as the cluster head and the MHO as the group supervisor. The orientation detailed specific roles assigned to various agencies, including the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), MDRRMO, Municipal Health Office (MHO), Philippine National Police (PNP) for victim identification, community volunteers for search, rescue, and retrieval, the Mayor’s Office (MO), MHO, and Legal Officer for final disposition of the dead, and the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) for managing missing persons and the Barangay DRRMC for supporting bereaved families.

 

The orientation further underscores the vital importance of barangay-level preparedness for handling casualties in emergencies. By understanding their roles within the MDM framework, barangay officials can effectively coordinate with higher authorities, mobilize local resources, support affected families, and minimize secondary risks.