In response to the devastating impact of Typhoon Carina and Habagat, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) launched on Wednesday extensive Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations across affected regions in the country.
“The AFP continues to stand ready to provide critical support to communities in need, ensuring the safety and well-being of all affected individuals during this challenging time,” AFP Public Affairs Office Chief Colonel Xerxes Trinidad said.
The AFP has deployed nine Search, Rescue, and Retrieval (SRR) teams from the 2nd Infantry Division (2ID) and five from the Joint Task Force National Capital Region (JTF-NCR).
The 525th Engineer “Forerunner” Battalion of the Combat Engineer Regiment of Army marshalled two light Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams composed of 52 personnel and rescue assets.
Army Spokesperson Colonel Louie Dema-ala said that the two USAR teams as well as four military trucks and four rubber boats were deployed under the AFP JTF-NCR which determined their area of assignment.
“Philippine Army leadership assures the public of the HADR teams’ operational readiness in assisting typhoon-affected families in close cooperation with national government agencies, local government units, and other responders,” Dema-ala said.
Aside from these, the Army has mobilized 1,572 personnel, 119 land assets, and 6 waterborne assets in Luzon to provide HADR for those affected by Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon (habagat).
Units from the 2nd, 5th, and 7th Infantry Divisions, along with the Regional Community Defense Groups under the Reserve Command, are prepared for rescue and relief efforts in affected communities.
Philippine Air Force (PAF), simultaneously, conducted rescue and relief operations in vulnerable areas of Barangay 183 in Pasay City on Wednesday.
The PAF 505th Search and Rescue Group, in collaboration with local government units, successfully rescued and evacuated approximately 100 residents of Barangay 183, affected by flooding caused by the weather disturbances.
“The PAF remains on alert, ready to deploy additional resources as needed, and urges the public to stay vigilant and follow safety advisories,” PAF Spokesperson Maria Consuelo Castillo said.
Eight teams, composed of 11 officers and 46 enlisted personnel were also provided by the Philippine Navy to augment operations in San Juan, Manila, Pasig, and Mandaluyong.
