Cops rebuild homes after Sarangani quake

SHELTER FOR QUAKE VICTIMS Police officers dubbed “carpenter cops” lay the foundation of a permanent house for earthquake victims in Glan, Sarangani province, on Thursday, marking the start of a housing project for families displaced by the recent quake. —PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SARANGANI PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT

KORONADAL CITY—Less than three weeks after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake devastated parts of Sarangani province, police officers on Thursday began building replacement homes for families left homeless by the disaster.

Eight personnel from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) started constructing the first permanent housing unit in Riverside, Barangay Poblacion in Glan town, marking the start of the community’s rebuilding efforts.

“Every mark drawn on the ground symbolizes another step toward recovery and the rebuilding of a stronger future,” said Brig. Gen. Alan Manibog, director of Police Regional Office 12 (PRO-12).

“True public service is measured not only by the enforcement of the law but also by our ability to stand with our fellow Filipinos during their greatest time of need,” he added.

The housing project is part of Glan Mayor Victor James Yap Sr.’s commitment to provide permanent homes for families displaced by the June 8 earthquake, which damaged or destroyed an estimated 14,000 houses across the municipality.

First recipient

Police Staff Sgt. Rustato Pancho, RMFB team leader, said the first housing unit will be awarded to 50-year-old Jennifer Moring, one of more than 100 families identified to receive permanent homes at a relocation site in Barangay Poblacion.

Moring is among the 209 internally displaced persons still staying at a makeshift evacuation center in the town plaza.

Yap said housing projects for displaced residents in other affected areas would immediately follow.

Pancho said his team arrived in Glan on June 21 on the directive of Col. Argie Anchieta, commander of RMFB-12, to help demolish unsafe structures and build permanent shelters for earthquake survivors. Site preparation began the following day.