Philippine Army troops and reservists joined hand in hand for relief efforts for communities lashed by Typhoon “Odette” in the Visayas and Mindanao.
The 3rd Infantry Division has teamed up with the Army Reserve Command (ARESCOM), Local Government Units (LGUs), and national government agencies in helping typhoon-devastated communities in Western and Central Visayas.
A division deployed a total of 43 Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) teams comprised of 3ID officers, enlisted personnel, CAFGU Active Auxiliaries (CAAs), and reservists in communities hit hard by “Odette,” the strongest tropical cyclone to hit the country this year.
In Panay Island and Guimaras province, the 301st Infantry Brigade has worked together with the reservists, LGUs, and civilian volunteers in extending humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts in affected municipalities during and after the onslaught of the typhoon.The 303rd and 302nd Infantry Brigades and reservists in Negros have also launched HADR efforts in typhoon-battered communities. In Bohol, the 302nd Infantry Brigade through its 47th Infantry Battalion has joined forces with the reservists in conducting HADR missions.
The Army’s 53rd Engineer Brigade also cleared blocked roads in the aftermath of "Odette" in Cebu, one of the provinces that were badly hit by the typhoon.
Meanwhile, the 4th Infantry Division, whose area of responsibility includes Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions, mobilized 85 Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) teams. 4ID’s line units also coordinated with the regional, provincial and municipal disaster risk management and reduction councils for the conduct of HADR operations.
Additionally, the 8th Infantry Division marshaled its various units for rescue operations in disaster-prone communities in Eastern Visayas. The Division is part of AFP’s Joint Task Force Storm which has initiated a project to generate assistance for typhoon-affected residents of Southern Leyte and Leyte provinces.
“HADR missions are part of the Philippine Army’s sworn mandate to serve the people and secure the land. The Army is always ready and committed to supporting and assisting local government units, as well as providing all available manpower and logistical resources to mitigate the effects of natural calamities in our communities,” Army Commanding General Maj. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr., said.