SBMA, Subic Grain Terminal test safety response operations in simulation exercises

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and Subic Bay Freeport Grain Terminal Services Incorporated (SBFGTSI) conducted a simulation exercise (SimEx) at the latter’s premises inside this premier Freeport on April 4, 2025.

 

According to SBMA Seaport Department SimEx Director Diego P. Aviles, the activity dubbed “Responding to Active Shooter and Barricaded Scenario” was conducted to test procedures and contingency plans for security and safety response operations of both the SBMA and SBFGTSI.

 

“This exercise offers a unique opportunity for all participants to carry out response operations. Our objective is to test the security communication protocol in response to an active shooter and barricaded incident,” Aviles said.

 

He added that the SimEx also aims to assess coordination between security personnel and Emergency Response Units of SBFGTSI and the Law Enforcement Department (LED), and to evaluate the effectiveness and readiness of handling such emergencies following the Port Facility Security Plan.

 

Part of the exercise was conducted to test the response capabilities of the SBMA Seaport Department, and the LED, specifically the Special Weapons and Tactics team, Traffic Branch, and K-9 Unit, as well as the Public Health and Safety Department in terms of emergency response.

 

Aviles, along with SBFGTSI Terminal Manager Engr. Carlito Faustino and SBFGTSI port facility safety officer Gilbert Espiel, reiterated that this exercise offers a unique opportunity for all participants to carry out response operations and to test procedures and contingency plans on security, safety, and any emergency response operations.

 

“This exercise would not have been made possible without the collaboration between the SBFGTSI and SBMA,” Aviles said. (MPD-SBMA)

 

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SBMA, PPSA eye partnership to train future Fire Marshalls

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), through its Fire Department, and the Philippine Public Safety Academy (PPSA) are set to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to train the latter’s cadets for a future career in firefighting. 

 

SBMA Fire Chief Ranny Magno revealed this plan during the graduation ceremony for the Fire Cadets of PPSA Class of 2025 who have completed the comprehensive Advanced Firefighting Training from March 24 to 28, 2025. 

 

“I do hope that for the next batch of cadets, the SBMA and PPSA will already have a formal agreement so that this kind of training can be done on a regular basis,” Magno added.

 

Recently, 37 cadets of the "Madayawlahi” Class of 2025, the second batch of PPSA students, underwent a week-long intensive firefighting training, including Fire Suppression and Control, Tactics, and Strategies, where the cadets were able to experience firefighting via simulated exercises. This specialized training also provided them with hands-on experience with modern firefighting equipment, tools, and tactical scenarios.

 

PPSA Commandant of Cadets Mark Anthony S. Saquing expressed his appreciation to the personnel of the SBMA Fire Department for actively playing a vital role in implementing the program with them.

 

He also thanked Fire Chief Magno, who was also the Course Director, as well as his training team composed of Deputy Fire Chief Edwin Santos, John Patrick Ablaza., Alvin Laconsay and Romano Custodio for mentoring their cadets.

 

Saguing said that the training provided a deeper understanding of fireground tactics, the science behind fire behavior, and the leadership required to protect communities in high-stakes emergencies, which are essential qualities for public safety officers.

 

“The fires that you battle are not just those that burn in buildings, but also the challenges that will test your character, endurance, and willpower. Through this training, you have gained not only the knowledge and skills but also the spirit of a true firefighter, one who never gives up, never backs down, and always stands firm in the face of adversity,” Saquing addressed his cadets.

 

PPSA was created under DILG Circular No. 2022-009, otherwise known as the “Creation and Operationalization of Philippine Public Safety Academy pursuant to Republic Act 11279.” It offers graduate degree courses for personnel of the BFP and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), namely, Bachelor of Science in Fire Protection Administration, and Bachelor of Science in Penology and Corrections Administration. (MPD-SBMA) 

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