COTABATO CITY, Dec. 17 -- Local government units (LGUs) and hospitals in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) received a total of 28 cadaver and patient transport vehicles along with 80 rescue vehicles on Tuesday to improve emergency and disaster response.

In a statement on Wednesday, BARMM Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua, who led the turnover ceremonies, stressed the need for the regional government to act swiftly during disasters to save Bangsamoro lives.

"By handing over these vehicles to Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, and Cotabato City, we improve the LGUs' ability to respond promptly," Macacua said.

"Emergencies don't wait, and the government must respond quickly. These vehicles bridge ...