By Romeo Yu
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has mobilized its search and rescue personnel and assets for ongoing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) operations in the Davao and Caraga regions.
The AFP has deployed its HADR team to assist residents affected by the heavy rains and flooding and the Masara landslide recently.
The Philippine Air Force, spearheaded by the 505th Search and Rescue Group, 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing, and the 220th Airlift Wing, has deployed six helicopters, one C-130, and one C-295 aircraft.
As of February 13, these assets have successfully transported a total of 88,444 lbs of relief goods, equipment, and personnel to the affected areas.
Simultaneously, the Philippine Navy has dispatched BRP Davao Del Sur (LD 602) and the Marine Battalion Landing Team 9 to facilitate the delivery of 40,000 family food packs generously provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
The vessel left Manila South Harbor on February 13, complementing the earlier efforts of BRP Tagbanua, which arrived in Davao Oriental on February 4 with over 19,000 DSWD family food packs.
Additionally, three disaster response teams from the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao were deployed on February 2.
On the ground, Philippine Army units under the 10th Infantry Division, including its Emergency Response Company and various infantry brigades and battalions, have played a crucial role in search, rescue, and retrieval operations, as well as ensuring the safety of affected communities.
A notable instance of dedication occurred on February 5, when soldiers from the 25th Infantry Battalion undertook a six-hour walk to deliver 71 sacks containing 355 food packs to the isolated Sitio Cagan in Brgy Andap, New Bataan town, Davao de Oro, which was cut off due to landslides.
In total, 29 search, rescue, and retrieval teams, accompanied by 31 land mobility assets, have been deployed, with an additional 62 on standby 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,” said Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (CSAFP) Gen Romeo Brawner.
“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.
