AFP commits troops, assets to help humanitarian efforts in Davao, CARAGA

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has deployed search and rescue personnel and assets for the humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations in the Davao and CARAGA regions, which have been affected by heavy rains, floods, and landslides.

With six helicopters, a C-130 and a C-295 aircraft have transported a total of 88,444 lbs of relief goods, equipment, and personnel as of February 13.

The Philippine Navy also deployed the BRP Davao Del Sur and the Marine Battalion Landing Team 9 for the delivery of 40,000 family food packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development. The ship left the Manila South Harbor on February 13.

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.

Philippine Army units from 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 helped in the search, rescue, and retrieval operations and in ensuring the safety of the affected communities.

Soldiers on February 5 from the 25th Infantry Battalion, delivered 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," AFP chief of staff General Romeo 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," he added. —NB, GMA Integrated News