Army units now helping in search, rescue, relief efforts for 'Yolanda' victims

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 10): Army units now helping in search, rescue, relief efforts for 'Yolanda' victims

Several units of the Philippine Army (PA) are now helping in the ongoing search, rescue and relief efforts for the victims of super typhoon "Yolanda" in the Visayas region, particularly in Leyte and Samar.

Around 12:45 a.m. Saturday, the Disaster Response Task Force from the 8th Infantry Division led by its assistant division commander Brig. Gen. Virgilio M. Espineli proceeded to Tacloban City to conduct disaster response and rescue operations.

Elements of the 20th, 43rd and 87th Infantry Battalions are also ready to be deployed to the disaster-stricken city to augment the forces which are already there.

Meanwhile, initial reports from the Army field units in Samar revealed that as of 11 a.m. on Saturday, 16 were accounted dead in Hernani, Eastern Samar, while another 10 remain missing as a result of the flash floods caused by the storm surge.

Houses, school buildings, and other infrastructures were also destroyed in Barangay Camada, Maydolong; Barangay Pagbabangan, San Julian; and Brgy. Canlaray, Borongan City.

Earlier, the Armed Forces of the Philippines announced that it has already mobilized units from the 3rd and 8th Infantry Divisions, as well as the 53rd Engineering Brigade to help in the disaster response and rescue operations.

The PA will continue to help in the rescue and relief efforts; assist in clearing operations; and provide support in rehabilitating the communities in order to help the people regain a sense of normalcy.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=585080