The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Regional Office 3 has expressed its gratitude to government agencies, local government units, volunteer groups, private partners, and individuals who contributed to the successful completion of the 18-day rescue and retrieval operation following the collapse incident in Angeles City.

In a statement, BFP Central Luzon, headed by Fire Senior Superintendent Bernard T. Rosete, DSC, one of the Unified Commanders and Acting Regional Director, acknowledged the collective effort that sustained the operation from its onset until demobilization.

“This mission was never ours alone,” the BFP said, emphasizing the importance of inter-agency cooperation in carrying out the extensive search, rescue, retrieval, and recovery efforts.

The bureau gave special recognition to the Angeles City Government under Responsible Officer Mayor Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II for its leadership, coordination, and support throughout the operation.

According to the BFP, the city government played a crucial role through the Unified Command structure, bringing together responding agencies, partner organizations, and support groups to ensure a coordinated and sustained response.

The bureau also recognized the contributions of numerous disaster risk reduction and management offices from across Central Luzon and neighboring regions, search-and-rescue and K9 teams, law enforcement units, debris-clearing crews, medical and social welfare agencies, logistics providers, media organizations, structural engineering groups, and psychological support teams.

Among those cited were personnel from the Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Red Cross, Department of Public Works and Highways, Office of Civil Defense, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Labor and Employment, as well as various local DRRM offices and volunteer rescue organizations.

The BFP said the operation’s success was made possible through the dedication, expertise, and cooperation of all participating groups and individuals.

“Thank you for standing with us. Thank you for serving beside us,” the bureau said.