The Philippine Army deployed additional satellite phones, Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) and electric generators to Odette affected areas to provide a communication system to hasten the disaster response of the government.
According to Army Chief Maj. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., "As of today, we already deployed a satellite phone and VSAT at Headquarters, Western Command in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and three VSAT in Visayas Command (VISCOM). One VSAT installed in Mactan Cebu is now functional and provides internet connectivity to the Philippine Air Force in Mactan Air Base. The other two (2) VSAT will be installed today at VISMIN Headquarters in Lahug, Cebu City, and Tacloban City."
The newly deployed equipment is over and above the issued satellite phones, VSAT, and military radios deployed in all Army units nationwide.
"In this time of crisis, communication is vital for our Commanders and leaders to address the needs of our people better. Hence, we put a premium on the installation of needed communication equipment in critical areas while waiting for our telecom companies to restore their services," the CGPA added.
Private telecom companies' telephone and internet services are not available in areas hit by Typhoon Odette since December 16.
Aside from providing critical communication to government officials, the Philippine Army also supported the HADR efforts of the Local Government Units in Northern and Eastern Mindanao, Eastern Visayas, and some areas in Southern Luzon.
The Commanding General added that "In collaboration with the LGUs and local disaster response unit, our soldiers conducted preemptive evacuation as early as December 15 before Odette hit Mindanao, Visayas, and some areas in Southern Luzon. Search and rescue operations followed on December 16. Our engineering units are also helping in the clearing of roads while the majority of our units are helping the government in its continuing relief operation in Typhoon Odette affected areas."
"We assure the Filipino people that the Philippine Army is working 24/7 with other government agencies and sectors to expedite the necessary assistance to reach the affected residents," Maj. Gen. Brawner concluded.