By Dominique Gabriel G. Banaga

In preparation for the scheduled bomb simulation exercise (SIMEX) today at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) and at the old Bacolod City Hall, the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) is requesting the public not to be alarmed.
According to CDRRMO cluster head Joemarie Vargas, a small explosive will be detonated somewhere on the BCGC grounds around 9:00 a.m. During the exercise, city employees and visitors will be evacuated from the building, while other personnel will be portraying killed or wounded civilians.
For the old Bacolod City Hall exercise, a simulated improvised explosive device (IED) will be discovered on the premises, which will also result in an evacuation of the building.
Vargas noted, Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) personnel will be stopping traffic along Araneta Avenue, between Ballesteros and Luzuriaga Streets, while the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) defuses the mock IED.
Two officials from Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in Camp Crame will also be on hand to observe the simulations.
Meanwhile, in a separate interview, Vargas informed Watchmen Daily Journal his office is currently organizing an “active shooter” simulation.
Earlier, Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) acting director, Police Senior Superintendent Jack Wanky, said the exercise will raise awareness among government employees and law enforcement agencies on the proper procedure when dealing with a bomb threat or discovering a live explosive./WDJ