The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division through its infantry brigades and battalions has teamed up with the Army Reserve Command (ARESCOM) in collaboration with local government units (LGUs) and concerned government agencies in helping communities in Western and Central Visayas devastated by Typhoon “Odette.”.Top Stories
A total of 43 Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) teams composed of 3ID officers, enlisted personnel, CAFGU Active Auxiliaries, and Army reservists were deployed to conduct HADR activities to mitigate the effects of the typhoon.
This effort is in collaboration with the Office of Civil Defense, Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, LGUs, and other government agencies in regions 6 and 7.
In Panay and Guimaras islands, 3ID soldiers from 301st Infantry Brigade have worked together with the Army reservists, LGUs and civilian volunteers in extending humanitarian assistance and disaster response to affected municipalities during and after the onslaught of the typhoon.
These HADR supports include manpower and transportation assistance during preemptive evacuation, rescue operation, road clearing, and preparation and distribution of relief goods to affected families and individuals.
The same efforts were extended by 303rd and 302nd Infantry Brigades and reservists in Negros Island, particularly in “Odette”-hardest hit Kabankalan City and municipalities in southern and northern Negros.
In Bohol, the 302nd Infantry Brigade through its 47th Infantry Battalion has also joined force with the Army reservists in providing HADR support to the provincial government. Loboc, Bohol is one of Odette’s hardest hit municipalities in Central Visayas.
“The wellbeing of the people we oath to serve is our priority during disasters and calamities; hence, we are employing all our HADR capabilities to ensure their safety. With the support of our reservists, and collaboration with concerned government agencies, we will continue to extend the needed assistance to affected communities,” said 3ID commander Major Gen. Benedict Arevalo.
He also called on the people of Western and Central Visayas to unite and do their share for the fast recovery of affected communities./WDJ