AFP deploys communication equipment to 'Yolanda' battered provinces

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 9): AFP deploys communication equipment to 'Yolanda' battered provinces

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) deployed communications systems in three cities in the Visayas Saturday to address shortages in communication facilities following the devastation caused by Supertyphoon "Yolanda."

A communication cell was earlier established in Tacloban City Police Station and the Base Ops, Villamor Air Base to augment communication requirements for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response operations.

Two more in Roxas City, Capiz and Mactan City, Cebu are on their way to monitor rescue and relief efforts.

Aerial recon and damage assessment are also on-going over Cebu province, Panay Island, and Tacloban City.

Earlier, two C-130 aircraft transported a crisis action team, a medical team, and power generators to Bohol along with 12,000 pounds of assorted relief goods.

The AFP will continue to assist the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in command post operations particularly in restoring command and control and through logistics and communications assistance.

AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista ordered the Central Command and Southern Luzon Command to prioritize disaster response efforts and make available all of its air and naval assets for immediate assessment of damage; rescue, and transport operations.

He also ordered other Area Commanders and their DRTUs to support Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) efforts when requested. Helicopters are already deployed for relief transport, rescue, and damage assessment operations.

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