NDRRMC open to review of disaster protocols

MANILA -- The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) on Wednesday said it is open to any review of its disaster protocols in the wake of the large death toll left by typhoon "Vinta".

"We welcome all of these reviews. Wala naman tayong perfect laws (We have no perfect laws). Wala ring perfect plan (There is no perfect plan). All of this, nasa-subject yan to test, kapag nakakaranas tayo ng kung anumang peligro (All of these are tested whenever we experience dangers or calamities," NDRRMC spokesperson Mina Marasigan said.

Marasigan said even one life lost in a disaster is too much and is unacceptable for the NDRRMC regardless of the circumstance. The statement was made after Senator Nancy Binay's call to review the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRMC) protocols to prevent future casualties from similar calamities.

The lady senator also called on the NDRRMC and its regional councils to conduct trainings to local disaster responders, as well as to members of the community.

Marasigan vowed that the NDRRMC will continue to find measures to mitigate the effects of disasters, saying zero-casualty during calamities has always been the target of the NDRRMC.

Vinta has left at least 164 people dead and 176 missing, which are still undergoing validation and verification. PNA