The Aurora PDRRMO, in partnership with DILG Region III, conducts a three-day Basic Training on the Management of the Dead and Missing Persons on October 14–16, 2026, at the Provincial Operations Center in Baler, Aurora, with 51 participants from various concerned agencies.
BALER, Aurora — The Provincial Government of Aurora is strengthening the capabilities of disaster responders through a three-day Basic Training on the Management of the Dead and Missing Persons, which began on Wednesday, October 14, and will run until October 16, 2026, at the Provincial Operations Center, 2nd Floor of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) Building in Barangay Suklayin, Baler.
The training brings together 51 participants from various concerned agencies to enhance their knowledge and skills in the proper, safe, and humane management of human remains and in handling missing-person cases during disasters and other emergencies.
In his welcome remarks, Provincial DRRM Officer Engr. Amado Elson A. Egargue expressed his gratitude to Gov. Isidro P. Galban for his continued support and the allocation of funds for PDRRMO programs, as well as to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region III for providing technical guidance and sharing its expertise with the participants.
The training is being facilitated by Lerrie Sanggalang and her team from DILG Region III, with resource persons from other concerned agencies, including the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Department of Health (DOH), and Philippine National Police (PNP), who are handling specific modules and practical exercises.
Egargue emphasized that disaster response involves not only protecting lives but also preserving the dignity of the deceased, respecting the rights of their families, and providing bereaved relatives with accurate and timely information.
In his message, Galban stressed that a province’s resilience is measured not only by its ability to recover from disasters but also by its readiness to locate missing persons, properly manage human remains, and uphold the dignity of every individual.
The governor also underscored that behind every missing person is a family waiting for answers, while every life lost represents a story that deserves to be remembered and treated with respect.
Under his Sigla at Galak Governance and Development Agenda, the provincial government continues to strengthen institutions, systems, and the capabilities of concerned offices to ensure a prompt, organized, and compassionate response to disasters.
Galban said knowledge, preparedness, discipline, and compassion must go hand in hand to ensure that families of deceased and missing persons receive appropriate assistance and respect during times of grief.
Training modules and activities
The first day covers the rules and regulations governing the Management of the Dead and Missing (MDM), its organizational structure, and its integration into the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System (PDRRMS), National Disaster Response Plan (NDRP), and Incident Command System (ICS).
Participants will also discuss MDM facilities and procedures for the final disposition of human remains, complemented by practical activities and discussions facilitated by the designated trainers.
On the second day, the training will focus on the proper handling of dead bodies and body parts, documentation, missing-person reporting, management of bereaved families, operational support systems, and reportorial requirements.
Activities will include completing missing-person forms and exercises designed to improve participants’ documentation skills and coordination in handling information essential to disaster response operations.
The third and final day will cover the MDM Field Manual, followed by a simulation exercise to assess participants’ understanding and ability to apply the procedures and principles discussed during the training.
A post-training examination and evaluation, group impressions, and a closing program will conclude the activity. Assistant Provincial DRRM Officer Engr. Leandro M. Dungca Jr. is expected to deliver the closing message.
Through the training, the PDRRMO and its partner agencies aim to strengthen coordination, professionalism, and operational readiness in managing deceased and missing persons in accordance with established standards and humanitarian principles.
The initiative underscores the importance of ensuring that disaster response extends beyond emergency operations to include the protection of human dignity and the provision of reliable information and compassionate assistance to families affected by loss and uncertainty. (Jason de Asis)