AFP deploys HADR units to quake-battered areas

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 15): AFP deploys HADR units to quake-battered areas

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced that it has deployed humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) unitsto Central Visayas which was hit by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake Tuesday morning.

Two helicopters were deployed to augment the 2nd Special Forces Battalion currently conducting disaster response operations in Tagbilaran, Bohol, AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said.

He added that four M-35 trucks with 50 military personnel were also deployed to Cebu City to assist in debris clearing, particularly in the partially collapsed Basilica Del Sto. Niño.

Two more rescue helicopters from the 505th Search and Rescue Group, Philippine Air Force are expected to be deployed tomorrow.

Zagala said that the AFP Central Command in Mactan is closely coordinating with the provincial government executives of Bohol and Cebu; and National and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils for additional deployments of military personnel and equipment to assist in HADR efforts.

Meanwhile, Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said the 82nd Marine Brigade of the Naval Reserve Eastern Visayas has already arrived at Basilica Del Sto. Niño in Cebu to start rescue and clearing work.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=576533