Ref.: Maria Kristina E. Cassion
854-0984 / 854-0452 / 853-0041 to 60 local 8940
Mobile: +63 917 552-6023
December 20, 2008
The National Counter-Terrorism Action Group (NACTAG) and the Light Rail Transit Authority conducted a terror attack and mass casualty incident simulation exercise today (December 20, 2008) at the LRT 2 Araneta Center-Cubao, following the recent bombings in Iligan City.
The drill tested the ability of area first responders, consisting of around 500 essential employees of the LRTA and other support personnel as well as external components, such as the Department of Health, the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Army and the NACTAG, to respond to possible terrorist attacks and mass casualty incidents.
LRTA Administrator Melquiades Robles said the drill is in support of the policy of the LRTA to ensure the protection of the lives and properties of its passengers as well as its facilities in the event of a major emergency such as a terrorist attack on its revenue line system.
The scenario, which was performed by LRTA personnel and coordinating agencies, included a simulated bomb explosion triggered by a ?suicide bomber? who was able to board an LRT2 train disguised as an ordinary passenger. The ?explosion? resulted to chaos and major, as well as minor injuries, to a number of ?passengers.?
During the drill, participants performed triage and other mass casualty incident procedures in response to the ?emergency? situation.
?The drill was a good opportunity for the LRTA to practice what could be a real life situation and prepare us for possible terrorist attacks,? Robles said.
The LRTA began organizing mass casualty incident drills in 2006. The present exercise, in coordination with the NACTAG, is the third time the agency performed the said activity.
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