The magnitude 7.2 earthquake that hit the Visayas region saw the spirit of volunteerism happening in Bohol including a number of volunteers from the various mining companies.

A 35-member search, rescue and retrieval team was recently deployed jointly by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 7, Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA), Philippine Society of Mining Engineers – Visayas Chapter (PSEM-VC), Carmen Copper Corporation (CCC), and the Philsaga Mining Corporation (PMC).

The team was formed and coordinated by the MGB 7, and PSEM-VC led by its President Engr. Victor Bantol, to conduct search, rescue and retrieval efforts on the earthquake-induced incidents in different parts of Bohol.

MGB-7 Regional Director Loreto B. Alburo cited the MGB and PMSEA’s Pusong Minero advocacy campaign in the prevention, preparedness and emergency response to natural and man-made emergencies.

According to a report by the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) as of Oct. 17, 9:00 AM, there were157 dead and 281 injured.

The same bulletin identified 18 landslides-affected barangays in eight and two municipalities in Bohol and Cebu, respectively.

Meanwhile, PMSEA is an organization of mining companies, quarries, cement plants, suppliers, service contractors, professional organizations and government agencies that advocates a national campaign against occupational safety, health and environmental hazards of mining and its related operations.

One of the projects of the association is the Safety Networking Action Program (SNAP) that was launched in September 2003.  The project has been put into action several times during emergencies such as landslides and typhoons

Responding for an emergency call, CCC Resident Manager Rodrigo Cal sent a 24-member search and rescue team led by Engr. Rosalio Cimafranca, Jr.  The PMC set up an 11-member response team led by Ed Castro.

The team has been conducting search, rescue and retrieval activities in coordination with various institutions and other mining firms in Bohol.

It could be recalled that Alburo issued a reiteration advisory last October 15 urging the local chief executives to revisit and re-examine the findings and recommendations of the previous geohazards threat advisories to 53 city and municipal mayors in Cebu; Bohol, 48; and Siquijor, 6.