The Philippine military has intensified humanitarian operations across the Visayas regions in the wake of the devastating magnitude-6.9 earthquake that struck Bogo City and other areas in Cebu, as well as nearby provinces earlier this week.
The earthquake in Cebu has killed at least 73 with nearly 300 injured as of last reporting. National and local authorities have already shifted from the search, rescue and retrieval phase of disaster response to begin the rehabilitation of affected cities and municipalities, amid the threats of ongoing aftershocks.
Earlier this morning, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported a strong magnitude-5.1 aftershock in the quake’s epicenter. As of 8:00 a.m. on Friday, Phivolcs monitored a total of 3,952 aftershocks across the province with 806 plotted and 17 felt.
Philippine Navy reservists from Naval Forces Central together with Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) candidates, distributed thousands of relief packs to quake-hit families in Medellin and Daanbantayan, Cebu on Thursday, October 2.
The team prepared 2,000 packs of rice, canned goods, ready-to-eat meals, and water in Mandaue City before transporting them to affected barangays. Navy officials said the effort underscores the role of reservists and cadets in humanitarian missions.
The Philippine Air Force (PAF), meanwhile, used a Black Hawk helicopter to airlift 660 hygiene kits and 25 sacks of rice to stricken areas in Biliran and Northern Samar.
Tactical Operations Group 8 also conducted aerial assessments over Northern and Eastern Samar to determine the extent of quake damage and immediate community needs.
The operation was carried out in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Office of Civil Defense, and local government units.
On the ground, the Philippine Army has mobilized 587 soldiers from various units for search, rescue, and clearing operations in Bogo City, San Remigio, Daanbantayan, and Medellin.
Army personnel have assisted in the evacuation of nearly 300 families in other Cebu towns, working with local disaster teams and volunteers to fast-track recovery efforts.
