The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is set to establish emergency operation centers (EOCs) in every province to effectively respond to the emergency needs of its constituents in far-flung communities across the region, an official said Thursday.

Minister Naguib Sinarimbo of the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government in BARMM (MILG-BARMM) said the EOCs would be established through the emergency response office, the Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidents (READi-BARMM).

Aside from the region’s five provinces, he said the EOCs would also be put up in this city and in the 63 North Cotabato villages that opted to be part of BARMM.

“The purpose is to deploy relief goods and store them in EOC warehouses to be ready before disaster strikes,” said Sinarimbo, who is also BARMM spokesperson.

BARMM-READi personnel to be deployed in the EOCs will work hand in hand with the provincial disaster risk reduction and management offices for smooth emergency response, he added.

“Disaster response means we are ready all the time,” Sinarimbo said, adding that the workforce is now equipped with the needed skills and technical know-how in saving lives and properties during man-made and natural calamities. (PNA)