The military on Thursday lauded the soldiers who died while
evacuating residents in typhoon-hit areas of Compostela Valley and vowed to
provide assistance to the families they left behind. “The AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) salutes our soldiers
who died while performing their duties as typhoon ‘Pablo’ hit Mindanao,” AFP
spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said. “Our prayers and sympathy goes to all the families of the
victims and our highest admiration to all rescue workers and volunteers,
soldiers and civilians alike in their dedication and commitment in helping our
people,” he added.
Members of the Charlie Company of the Army’s 66th Infantry
Battalion were about to implement a forced evacuation of civilians in New Bataan
town when they were swept by floods and landslide. As of Thursday afternoon, five soldiers were confirmed dead
while six others remain missing. A total of 17 soldiers sustained injuries
during the onslaught of the typhoon. Burgos said the families of the
soldiers who died in the line of duty would receive financial assistance from
the AFP.
Among the benefits that may be given to the families of the
late soldiers are posthumous separation benefits, unused leave credits,
educational benefits, cash assistance from the Alay Kawal Foundation, and
pension.
Meanwhile, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) said it
may suspend the conduct of military offensives due to the effects of the
typhoon. “In light of the urgent humanitarian considerations, the NPA
(New People’s Army) can suspend offensive military operations against the AFP
for a period of time,” CPP said in a statement. “The responsible organs of the Communist Party, the NPA and
the National Democratic Front (NDF) will issue more authoritative and detailed
orders on this matter,” it added. The CPP also urged its forces to provide assistance to the
calamity victims.
Meanwhile, the Navy has sent a ship to Davao Oriental to
provide relief to affected residents. Navy spokesman Col. Omar Tonsay said BRP Miguel Malvar had
been directed to bring relief supplies to barangay Labahon in Baganga, Davao
Oriental. The ship is expected to arrive in Davao Oriental at about 5
a.m. Friday. Among the items loaded in the ship were clothes, food and
water from the local governments, civil society groups and private donors.
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