Around 200 patients of the Buluan District Hospital in Maguindanao del Sur were evacuated on Thursday after floodwaters entered the facility, prompting authorities to transfer them to the Provincial Capitol Building and the Maguindanao Provincial Hospital.
According to Dr. Mohammad Ariff Baguindali, chief of the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) Maguindanao, the transfer was carried out to ensure the safety and welfare of the patients and to allow them to be properly attended to amid the flooding.
The Provincial Government immediately coordinated with the IPHO and the local government of Buluan to provide food and personal necessities to the evacuees. Provincial officials distributed hot meals, sleeping kits, and hygiene kits as part of the emergency response.
Following the directive of Governor Datu Ali Midtimbang and with the support of Vice Governor Hashim Nando, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) augmented the efforts of the Municipal DRRMO of Buluan, in coordination with the PNP-SAF and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). Authorities ensured the safe transfer of patients as floodwaters rose unexpectedly inside the hospital.
Dr. Baguindali personally visited the flooded facility to assess the situation and monitor the response. He confirmed that the evacuees will remain at their temporary shelters until the water subsides.
Buluan Vice Mayor King Mangudadatu remarked that it was the first time in 50 years that such severe flooding has affected the Buluan District Hospital, underscoring the gravity of the incident.
Provincial officials assured continued assistance to the patients until conditions normalize.