CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City — The Armed Forces of the Philippines, deployed its search and rescue personnel and assets for the ongoing humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations in Davao and Caraga regions to assist residents affected by recent heavy rains and flooding that persist since late January and the Masara landslide on February 6.
The Philippine Air Force--particularly the 505th Search and Rescue Group, 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing, and the 220th Airlift Wing--with six helicopters, one C-130, and one C-295 aircraft in use have transported a total of 88,444 lbs of relief goods, equipment, and personnel as of February 13.
The Philippine Navy also deployed BRP Davao Del Sur (LD 602) and the Marine Battalion Landing Team 9 to facilitate the delivery of 40,000 family food packs provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development. The ship departed Manila South Harbor on February 13. Earlier on February 4, the BRP Tagbanua arrived in Davao Oriental with over 19,000 DSWD family food packs. Three disaster response teams of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao were also deployed on February 2.
Meanwhile, Philippine Army units under the 10th Infantry Division, including its Emergency Response Company; the 701st, 402nd, and 1001st Infantry Brigades; the 66th, 67th, 25th and 60th Infantry Battalions; and the 534th and 525th Engineer Construction Battalions assisted on the ground in the search, rescue, and retrieval operations and in ensuring the safety of the affected communities.
On February 5, soldiers from the 25th Infantry Battalion, delivered on foot, a total of 71 sacks containing 355 food packs to Sitio Cagan, Brgy Andap in New Bataan town in Davao de Oro. The walk to Sitio Cagan took six hours after it was isolated to landslides in the area.
A total of 29 search, rescue, and retrieval teams and 31 land mobility assets were deployed, with 62 more on stand by status in the Eastern Mindanao Command joint area of operations.
"It is without doubt that our troops are ready to go beyond the call of duty to deliver aid wherever and whenever it is needed. I am proud of every soldier, airman, sailor, and marine for their commitment and sacrifice in these trying times," General Brawner said.
"The AFP remains committed to continuing the HADR efforts to mitigate the impact of the disaster and provide much-needed relief and support to the affected populations in the Davao and Caraga regions," the CSAFP added. ///
