MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) on Tuesday said it is forming a specialized rescue team that will protect workers during natural crises, following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that hit parts of Mindanao.
In a statement, the agency said acting Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino has directed the Occupational Safety and Health Center to immediately form a team tasked with directly assisting workers during natural disasters or other emergencies.
The specialized rescue team will be undergoing disaster preparedness and tactical rescue training to ensure that they can be quickly deployed in emergency zones, according to Dole.
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The move comes after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off Maasim, Sarangani, in Mindanao on Monday, resulting in 37 deaths, 479 persons injured and four others remain missing as of Tuesday.
In another statement, the Federation of Free Workers (FFW) on Tuesday urged Dole and the national government to conduct rigorous safety inspections of all workplaces, commercial establishments and buildings in the regions affected by the earthquake in Mindanao.
The labor group also called on the government to ensure the safety of first responders who are currently assisting in rescue and disaster management operations and provide them with proper protective equipment.
“Front-line responders and public sector workers risk their lives for the public, and the state must guarantee that their safety is protected while they perform their functions and duties in hazardous environments,” said Julius Cainglet, FFW vice president for research, advocacy and partnerships.
The group also reminded employers to respect the right of workers to refuse unsafe work, saying “no worker should face administrative penalties, salary deductions, termination or any form of punishment” for refusing to work inside a building that has not been declared safe.
“Workers’ lives, safety and health are the priority. Profits will have to wait,” said Maria Nelfa Bernudez, FFW vice president for Mindanao. /mr
